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Fundamental Headlines[/B][/U]
• [B]AUDUSD [/B]– Australia’s economy grew at its slowest pace in a year as GDP rose 0.6% in the 4Q from a revised 1.1% the prior quarter. Meanwhile, the AiG performance of services showed a decline as higher interest rates and fuel costs weighed on sales and orders. The RBA’s recent rate hike should continue to slow down an economy that is in its 17th year of expansion. For more news and resources please visit our Australian Dollar Currency Room.
• [B]GBPUSD [/B]– The U.K. PMI services gauge rose to 54 – a five month high-in February from 52.5 the prior month. The unexpected increase was fueled by growth from banks and airlines, as companies raised prices. As the economy shows signs of resiliency and inflation continues to rise, the BoE isn’t expected to cut rates tomorrow. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the GBP/USD Forum.
• [B]EURUSD [/B]–Retail sales in the Eurozone rose for the first time in four months, increasing 0.4% from the prior months decline of -0.1 percent. The region also saw an acceleration in services growth in February led by expansion in Germany, its largest economy. A rebound in consumer spending and continued services strength may be able to offset the declining manufacturing sector and raise expectations that the current economic slowdown will be short lived. This may allow the ECB to refrain from lowering rates until the end of the year, despite expectations of a mid year cut . Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the EUR/USD Forum.
• [I] Clinton Wins Ohio And Texas, McCain Clinches Nomination /I – Wall Street Journal
• [I]Facebook CEO Seeks Help As Site Grows Up[/I] (link)– Wall Street Journal
• [I]Opec Shrugs Off Bush Criticism[/I] (link) – Financial Times
• [I]Auction Rate Bond Failures Approach 70%, Shows No Signs Of Easing /I – Bloomberg
• [I]Premier Wen Sites Inflation, Overheating As Key Risks[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
