[B]Fundamental Headlines[/B]
• [B]USDCHF [/B]– The Swiss trade balance in February widened to 1.55 billion from 1.05 Billion in January on strong watch sales. Total exports outpaced imports by 3.6% as demand from emerging markets remained strong. Although inflation has been a concern for the SNB, producer and import prices slowed in February, only rising 0.2% compared to 0.5% the month prior, signaling that the possibility of further tightening is diminishing. For more news and resources please visit our Swiss Franc Currency Room.
• [B]GBPUSD [/B]– U.K. retail sales unexpectedly rose 1.0% in February, against expectations of a 0.2% decline. Increases were realized in food and clothing showing signs that the British consumer hasn’t lost its penchant for shopping. This should allow the BoE to continue to focus on inflation. Although, two dissenting votes at their last meeting proves that the current credit crisis will start to become a major factor in future decision making. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the GBP/USD Forum.
• [B]EURUSD [/B]– The Eurozone PMI composite gauge unexpectedly declined to 51.9, as both the service and manufacturing measurements fell to 51.7 and 52.0 respectively. Looking at the breakdown, there were reductions in new orders, employment and expectations, all signaling that growth is starting to be impacted by the slowing U.S. economy. Additionally, services and manufacturing both saw increasing input prices on record oil prices, perpetuating the ECB’s dilemma of focusing on rising inflation or slower economic growth. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the EUR/USD Forum.
• [I] Costly Fuel, Economic Woes Weigh Down U.S. Airlines /I – Wall Street Journal
• [I] Credit Suisse Expects Quarterly Loss; Revises Down Fourth- Quarter Profit [/I] (link)– Wall Street Journal
• [I]Fannie, Freddie To Boost Mortgage Market [/I] (link) – Financial Times
• [I]OECD Sees No Growth in U.S. in 2nd Quarter ([/I][link](javascript:void(0);/1206011568020/)) – Bloomberg
• [I]Gold Leads Commodities Plunge Outlook For Dollar, Economy[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
