The Australian Dollar has traded higher again overnight and through USD 1.0200 as the appetite for risk returned to the markets in a big way.

Australia: There were solid rallies in European equities as well as the US markets as gold futures prices traded at a record high and the Greenback exhibited continued weakness. Since the G7 intervention last week, the AUD has performed very strongly and the US has not held up really at all, especially given several soft data results in recent sessions viz new home sales and prices and durable goods. Further support has being evident by significant names that have exited short positions and the exporting community have been active buying AUD sensing the AUD’s rally is not done with yet.

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Some are even questioning the reserve status of the USD (not for the first time) and also the monetary policy actions of the Federal Reserve. The next level to be aware of for our AUD is USD 1.0257 and today we feel the AUD will hold steady in a limited range with no key data out leading into tonight.

Majors: US Dollar weakness was evident a stated above. The EUR rose as news was release that European policymakers are on track to control political and debt concerns in Portugal. There are still major concerns with Spanish sovereign risk as well as the financial plight of Ireland though. WTI benchmark crude oil closed at US$105.20 per barrel as market attention actually drifted away from the Middle
East.

Amazing times really, yet again. Gold’s surge to US$1,477.82 per oz is noted with base metals mixed and soft commodities higher. Markets are most likely going to focus on whether (or not) further improvements in the US data over next few weeks materialize as recent geo political unrest and natural disasters drift from the market’s short term gaze. Offshore we see US GDP, Consumer Confidence, German IFO and the Japanese CPI, as well as speeches from US Fed officials and a summit meeting of European Union Leaders in Brussels (but no more Australian cricket action in the World Cup)!

Economic Calendar: 25 MAR

JP: Tokyo CPI MAR
US: GDP 4Q
US: Personal Consumption Q4
US: Uni of Michigan Consumer Confidence MAR

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