The U.S.
dollar traded lower despite the better-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence.
The Reuters/Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index increased to 84.1 in April from
82.6 in March. Analysts forecasted 83.2. Services PMI declined to 54.2 in April
from 55.3 in March. The projected figure was 56.2. Investors were cautious due
to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The euro climbed
against the U.S. dollar. There was no publication of economic data in the
Eurozone.
The British
pound was up the U.S. dollar but later lost a part of its gains. The British
currency was supported by the better-than-expected retail sales. Retail sales
increased 0.1% in March. Analysts forecasted the fall of 0.4%. But the mortgage
approvals dropped to 45,900 in March. The projected figure was 48,900. The
mortgage approvals in February were revised down to 47,200 from 47,600.
The
Japanese yen traded higher against the U.S. dollar due to the demand for safe-haven
currency. Japan’s inflation data was published today. Tokyo Consumer Price
Index rose 1.3% in April. It is the same increase as in the previous month.
Tokyo CPI excluding fresh food climbed 2.7% in April from 1.0% in March. The
rise of CPI did not meet the expectations. Analysts forecasted the increase of
2.7%.
Stock markets in Australia and New Zealand were
closed for the public holiday.