Friday, May 2, 2008

German Retail Sales Fall, Is The Euro Bull Run Over?

Fundamental Headlines

• AUDUSD – Australian retail sales rose 0.5% in February from -0.1% the month prior. Food sales jumped 1.7% from 0.3% in February, on the back of record prices. A robust labor market and wage growth have enabled Australians to absorb the price appreciation. Inflation continues to rise and remains a concern for the RBA, but a global slowdown is expected to keep the MPC from raising rates at next weeks policy meeting. For more news and resources, visit our Australian Dollar Currency Room.
• EURUSD – German retail sales unexpectedly declined for a second month in March, as rising energy and food costs curbed consumer spending. Seasonally adjusted sales fell 0.1% after a 0.7% decline in February. The German labor market remains strong and consumer confidence is up, but if inflation doesn’t abate, shoppers may continue to tighten their wallets. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the EUR/USD Forum.
• GBPUSD – The U.K. construction PMI index fell to 46.1 in April from 47.0 the month prior. The sector has started to shrink weighed by the housing slump and tight credit markets. The BoE recently infused £50 billion in liquidity into the market in an attempt to loosen lending standards and promote housing demand. Discuss the topic and your trade ideas in the GBP/USD Forum.

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