[U][B]Fundamental Headlines[/B][/U]
• [B]AUDUSD [/B]– Australia’s trade deficit widened to A$3.29 Billion from A$2.54 billion in January. Exports declined as bottlenecks in shipping were caused by floods and cyclones. Despite the economy slowing, many expect that better weather and new measures to avoid similar delays will lead to greater exports going forward. For more news and resources, visit our Australian Dollar Currency Room.
• [B]USDJPY [/B]– The Japanese leading economic index rebounded to 50.0% from 36.4% the month prior, signaling that there lies at least two more quarters of potential growth for the economy. The Japanese economy remains resilient, which is welcomed news for government politicians, who have yet to decide on a new head for the BoJ. Masaaki Shirakawa is the latest nominee and may be the final as a leader is needed with a pending rate decision and G-7 meetings. For more news and resources, visit our Japanese Yen Currency Room.
• [B]EURUSD [/B]– German industrial production fell less than expected in February at 0.4%, as a rebound in intermediate goods offset a decline in consumer goods. Meanwhile, European investor confidence unexpectedly rose to 4.1, with an encouraging improvement in expectations. Although, a rate cut isn’t expected at the upcoming ECB rate decision, many expect President Trichet to soften in his hawkish tone, as growth in the region shows signs of slowing. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the EUR/USD Forum.
• [I]Washington Mutual To Get $5 Billion /I – Wall Street Journal
• [I]Global Revamp Urged For The Regulation Of Markets /I – Wall Street Journal
• [I] IMF Heads Calls For Global Action On Turmoil [/I] (link) – Financial Times
• [I]Novartis Pays $11 Billion For Stake in Nestle’s Alcon[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I] Rice Run Prompts Curbs To Rival Credit Market Seizure /I – Bloomberg
