03.07.2013

Following Japan’s PMI figures showing a decline, and the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate remaining at 2.75%, the Australian retail sales figures also dropped leading to the Aussie weakening. GBP/AUD is trading at 1.6701 with a high of 1.6712 and a low of 1.6495 so far. The Asian markets overall suffered losses. USD/JPY was trading at 100.35 with a high of 100.85 and a low of 100.24 so far, having broken above 100 JPY for the first time in nearly a month.

The NIKKEI closed at 14055.60 down 43.18 points or minus 0.31%

Following the resignation of Portuguese Finance Minister yesterday, the Foreign Minister has followed. Paulo Portas has decided to call it a day and followed Vitor Gaspar in giving up his post. The Portuguese Prime Minister has refused to accept the resignation, and 10 year bond yields hit 7%. French and German PMI figures are released today, and tomorrow rate announcements are made by both the Bank of England and the ECB. EUR/USD was trading at 1.2935 with a high of 1.2983 and a low of 1.2922 so far.

The FTSE100 closed at 6229.69 down 74.25 points or minus 1.18%

US jobless figures and International Trade figures are released today ahead of Independence Day celebrations tomorrow. Markets in the US close early today. Economy strength further boosted by expected boost in auto sales, by up to a 10% increase for June. USD/CAD was trading at 1.0544 with a high of 1.0559 and a low of 1.0528 so far ahead of Canadian Merchandise Trade figure releases today.

The DOW closed at 14932.40 down 42.55 points or minus 0.28%

Have a nice day.