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Fundamental Headlines[/B][/U]
• [B]USDJPY [/B]– The BoJ left their benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.50% at new Governor Shirakawa’s first meeting, despite his recognition that growth is softening. Parliament approved the new central bank leader today and he inherits the job at critical time, with the economy slowing and the G-7 meetings ahead. For more news and resources, visit our Japanese Yen Currency Room.
• [B]GBPUSD [/B]– U.K. industrial production increased stronger than expected to its highest level since 2001. Factory activity rose 0.3% in February, against predictions of 0.1%. Although, this will provide some comfort for the BoE, expectations are they will cut rates by a quarter point at their next meeting, as a housing slump has weighed on consumer confidence-which fell to a four year low of 77. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the GBP/USD Forum.
• [B]EURUSD [/B]– Growth in the Eurozone region slowed to 0.4% in the 4Q from 0.7% the quarter prior. A strong Euro and tight credit conditions weighed on the economy, which saw exports fall from 0.8% to 0.2%. The quarter also saw government and household consumption declining by 0.1% and 0.3% respectively. Despite the downturn in fundamentals, the ECB isn’t expected to cut its benchmark rate at its next meeting, due to inflation concerns. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in theEUR/USD Forum.
• Fed Weighs Its Options In Easing Crunch (link) – Wall Street Journal
• Energy Agency Sees Oil Averaging $101 This Year (link) – Wall Street Journal
• Citi in $12bn Loan Sale To Private Equity (link) – Financial Times
• BoJ’s Shirakawa Says Japan Economy to Keep Slowing (link) – Bloomberg
• U.K. Consumer Confidence Slides to a Four Year Low as House Prices Retreat (link) – Bloomberg
