[U][B]Fundamental Headlines[/B][/U]
• [B]AUDUSD [/B]– Australia’s trade numbers surprised to the upside as the deficit shrank more than economists expected. The underlying dynamic was simple - exports rose while imports stayed generally unchanged. More of the same may be expected in the coming months, as exports of key products like coal and wheat continue to expand. Furthermore, with the economy remaining resilient and inflation risks still high, the RBA will likely raise interest rates this week. For more news and resources, visit the new Australian Dollar Currency Room.
• [B]EURUSD [/B]– Investor confidence in the Euro-zone slumped to a two and a half year low in February, as the Sentix survey slipped more than expected to 4.3 from 8.2. Indeed, consumers and investors alike have been jittery as global growth prospects look dim for 2008, and the European economy is no exception. With credit conditions remaining tight and high oil prices sapping disposable income and contributing to already strong inflation pressures, there is little doubt that the European Central Bank remains in a precarious position. Nevertheless, with ECB President Trichet remaining focused on maintaining price stability, the central bank is widely expected to leave rates steady on Thursday and issue hawkish rhetoric. Discuss this and other topics related to the Euroin our EUR/USD Forum.
• [I]Google Offers to Help Yahoo Fight Off Microsoft[/I] (link) – Wall Street Journal
• [I]The Unsavory Cost of Capping Food Prices[/I] (link) – Wall Street Journal
• [I]Loan Market In ‘Disarray’ After Harrah’s Upset /I – Financial Times
• [I]Bernanke Makes Bulls From Dollar Bears Seeing Growth[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I]ICBC Deposes Citigroup as Chinese Banks Rule in New World Order[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
• [I]Bush Subprime Plan Undermined, States Shun Borrowers[/I] (link) – Bloomberg
