[U][B]Fundamental Headlines[/B][/U]
• [B]USDJPY [/B]– Industrial production in Japan was weaker than expected during December, as output rose 1.4 percent from the month prior after falling 1.6 percent. Indeed, US demand for exports has waned in recent months, which may put Q4 Japanese GDP figures in danger. For more news and resources, visit the new Japanese Yen Currency Room.
• [B]USDCHF [/B]– The KOF Swiss leading indicator fell more than expected to a two-year low of 1.70 in January, as signs continue to confirm that expansion in the country peaked in 2007. Furthermore, with global growth anticipated to take a hit in 2008, conditions may only get worse this year – especially in regards to exports – but with domestic demand in the country still fairly strong, Switzerland may be well-equipped to weather the storm
• [B]EURUSD [/B]– According to Bloomberg retail PMI, European retail sales declined for the fourth straight month, as the index held below the 50 boom/bust level at 48.1. The reduction in consumer spending, which accounts for 60% of the region’s GDP, could easily take a toll on expansion. Discuss this and other topics related to the Euro in our EUR/USD Forum.
• [I]Fed May Cut Rate to 3%, Hold Out Chance of More Cuts[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I]Asian Stocks Drop; Hyundai Heavy, Kyushu Electric Lead Decline[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I]UBS to Post Record Full-Year Loss On Further Mortgage Write-Downs[/I] (link) – Wall Street Journal
• [I]Japanese Government In Securitization First[/I] (link) – Financial Times
• [I] Central Banks Urged To Narrow Differences[/I] (link) – Financial Times
• [I]Bank of England Governor Mervyn King Reappointed[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I] IMF Predicts Slower U.S. Growth With Global Drag[/I] (link) – Wall Street Journal
