The FX significance of higher ECB rates

Much has been made of the economic implications of today’s anticipated ECB interest rate increase, not least the fact that it’s likely to make matters worse for the periphery, rather than better.  Nevertheless, there are two reasons why at least in the short-term, it’s of significance for FX. Guest post by FXPro Firstly, the ECB … “The FX significance of higher ECB rates”

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Swiss Franc Boosted by Surge of Inflation

The Swiss franc jumped against 14 of 16 most-traded currencies after the report showed that the rate of inflation growth in Switzerland unexpectedly increased in March. The Federal Statistical Office reported the consumer prices grew 0.6 percent in March instead of expected 0.2 percent, following the advance by 0.4 percent in February. The report by SECO on April 8 is expected to show that the unemployment rate in Switzerland decrease slightly. Swiss National Bank board … “Swiss Franc Boosted by Surge of Inflation”

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Canada’s Currency Rises as Global Recovery Quickens

The Canadian dollar climbed to the highest level in more than three years against its US counterpart as the recovery of the global economy gains momentum and the rally of raw materials increases demand for growth-related currencies. The currency slipped versus the euro. May delivery for crude oil, the main export of Canada, rose 0.3 percent to $108.66 per barrel in New York after reaching earlier $109.15, the highest price since September 24, 2008. June … “Canada’s Currency Rises as Global Recovery Quickens”

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Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact? ECB Preview

EUR/USD enjoyed the implicit and explicit talks about a rate hike in the Euro-zone. But now, as the moment of truth has arrived, the outcome for the common currency could be very different. Here’s a preview for the ECB rate decision, with 5 scenarios. Rate Hike vs. Debt Crisis In the previous press conference that … “Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact? ECB Preview”

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Pound Loses Ground as Industrial Production Slows

The Great Britain pound lost most of its gains versus the US dollar today as the report showed an unexpected decline of the industrial output in February. The UK industrial production decreased by 1.2 percent in February, while it was expected to show the same 0.3 percent growth as in January. Manufacturing production was flat, instead of expanding by 0.6 percent as was forecast by analysts. GBP/USD retreated from the intraday high of 1.6363 to 1.6313 as of 15:52 GMT … “Pound Loses Ground as Industrial Production Slows”

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Euro Goes Higher vs. Dollar on Prospect for Higher Rates

The euro reached the highest level in more than a year today against the US dollar on the speculation that the European Central Bank not only will raise its benchmark interest rate tomorrow, but will continue to increase the rates further in the future. Analysts say that the ECB will boost its minimum bid rate by 25 basis points, from 1 percent to 1.25 percent, on the meeting of its policy makers tomorrow. … “Euro Goes Higher vs. Dollar on Prospect for Higher Rates”

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US Dollar Gains vs. Yen, Falls vs. Euro & Pound

The US dollar surged against the Japanese yen after the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee showed that some policy makers considered removing of stimulus. The dollar fell versus the euro and the yen as the US services industry expanded in March with slower pace than was forecast. The FOMC policy makers voted unanimously for keeping the interest rates unchanged. Yet some told that less accommodative policy may be necessary. … “US Dollar Gains vs. Yen, Falls vs. Euro & Pound”

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Australian Dollar Recovers After Losses on RBA Statement

The Australian dollar fell yesterday against the US dollar and the euro as the Reserve Bank of Australia kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged and the trade balance posted an unexpected deficit. The Aussie currently recovered against the greenback and attempts to rise against the euro, the currency also gained versus the Japanese yen. The RBA decided yesterday to keep its cash rate unchanged at 4.75 percent, in line with the expectations of analysts. Bank’s Governor Glenn Stevens … “Australian Dollar Recovers After Losses on RBA Statement”

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