The European Central Bank (ECB) said on Tuesday that it purchased almost 61 billion euros of government bonds and other assets in March. The central bank beat its target in the first month of a quantitative easing programme. The ECB started to buy government bonds on March 09.

The ECB purchased 52.555 billion euros of government bonds since March 09: 11.1 billion euros of German government bonds, 8.75 billion euros of French government bonds and 7.6 billion euros of Italian government bonds.

The ECB said that it settled 64.670 billion euros in total covered bond purchases as of April 03, and 4.888 billion euros in purchases of asset-backed securities (ABS).

The European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board Member Yves Mersch said in an interview on Tuesday that the central bank could adjust its quantitative easing programme if inflation target will be achieved faster than expected.

He noted that the exchange rate should not be used to lift Eurozone's competitiveness because it would breach European Union law.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart said in an interview Monday on Monday that he prefers the Fed will start to raise its interest rate in July or September. He added that the Fed will have more data, and that the first quarter was "anomalous again".

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta president expects a rebound in the second quarter.

Lockhart is a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee this year.

The Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota said on Tuesday that the Fed should delay its interest rate hike until the second half of 2016. He added that the Fed should hike interest rate gradually to 2% by the end of 2017.

Kocherlakota noted that "the ongoing conversation about tightening monetary policy" may be a risk to the U.S. economy.

The Minneapolis Fed president believes that it is better not raise interest rate this year as employment grows slowly and inflation is still low.

He expects that the U.S. economy would need at least three more years of labour market improvement, and inflation will not increase back to the Fed's 2% target until 2018.

Stock indices closed higher on the better-than-expected confidence index from the Eurozone. The Sentix investor confidence index for the Eurozone rose to 20.0 in April from 18.6 in March, missing expectations for an increase to 20.9.That was the highest level since August 2007.

Eurozone' final services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 54.2 in March from a preliminary reading of 54.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 54.3.

Germany's final services PMI rose to 55.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 55.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 55.3.

France's final services PMI declined to 52.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 52.8. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 52.8.

Eurozone's producer price index climbed 0.5% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.1% increase, after a 1.1% decline in January. January's figure was revised down from 0.9% drop.

Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on markets. Greece have to repay the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche of 448 million euros on April 09. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has said that Greece will make a payment to the IMF on time.

Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. increased to 58.9 in March from 56.7 in February, beating expectations for a rise to 57.1.

The rise was driven by an increase in new business.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,961.77 +128.31 +1.88 %

DAX 12,123.52 +156.13 +1.30 %

CAC 40 5,151.19 +77.05 +1.52 %

Oil prices rose moderately, while continuing yesterday's increase, due to the anticipation of the publication of data on oil reserves in the United States, as well as statements by the Fed.

It should be emphasized earlier today the price of Brent crude oil slipped more than 1% after the Iranian representatives to visit Beijing after reaching an agreement on its nuclear program last week. The agreement paved the way for increasing the supply of Iranian oil, but analysts believe that the increase in the volume of exports would take months.

Traders are waiting for data from the US Department of Energy, which will be released on Wednesday, to understand whether the achieved production and peak oil. According to analysts last week, US crude stocks rose to record highs 13th consecutive week, while gasoline inventories fell. If it does not, the rise in prices could stall.

With regard to the statements on the eve of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart expressed the view that the Fed should raise no earlier than the July meeting. "I am inclined to lift rates at the July or September meeting, but not at the June - he said. - By this time, we will have more information and we will give the economy a little more time to prove that the first quarter of this year was abnormal" . Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Narayana Kocherlakota said that the Fed should "be very patient in terms of reductions in incentive" and raising rates this year would be a "mistake."

Small effect has also had a report from Goldman Sachs, which reported that US crude stocks will peak in April and May and September will decline by an average of 350,000 barrels per day, because these months have peak consumption. Since October stocks will rise again, keeping prices at a low level until the beginning of 2016, the bank said in a report. "For a sufficient and stable production slowdown in the United States requires that prices were low in the coming months," - wrote analysts Goldman Sachs.

Higher prices for WTI brand also contributes to the end of maintenance work at refineries and oil refining growth before the summer increase in demand for fuel.

May futures for US light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) rose to 53.11 dollars per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

May futures price for North Sea petroleum mix of Brent increased by $ 0.76 to 58.40 dollars a barrel on the London Stock Exchange ICE Futures Europe.

The U.S. dollar traded mixed to higher against the most major currencies after the better-than-expected U.S. job openings figures. Job openings climbed to 5.133 million in February from 4.965 million in January. It was the highest level since January 2001.

January's figure was revised down from 4.998 million.

Analysts had expected job openings to rise to 4.978 million.

The euro traded mixed against the U.S. dollar. Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on the euro. Greece have to repay the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche of 448 million euros on April 09. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has said that Greece will make a payment to the IMF on time.

Eurozone' final services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 54.2 in March from a preliminary reading of 54.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 54.3.

Germany's final services PMI rose to 55.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 55.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 55.3.

France's final services PMI declined to 52.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 52.8. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 52.8.

The Sentix investor confidence index for the Eurozone rose to 20.0 in April from 18.6 in March, missing expectations for an increase to 20.9.That was the highest level since August 2007.

Eurozone's producer price index climbed 0.5% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.1% increase, after a 1.1% decline in January. January's figure was revised down from 0.9% drop.

The British pound traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the better-than-expected services PMI from the U.K. Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. increased to 58.9 in March from 56.7 in February, beating expectations for a rise to 57.1.

The rise was driven by an increase in new business.

The Swiss franc traded mixed against the U.S. dollar. The Swiss National Bank's foreign exchange reserves increased to 522.323 billion Swiss francs in March from 509.245 billion francs in February. February's figure was revised down from 509.250 billion francs.

The New Zealand dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the kiwi traded mixed against the greenback in the absence of any economic reports from New Zealand.

The Australian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the Aussie rose against the greenback after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept its monetary policy unchanged. The RBA kept its interest rate unchanged at 2.25%. Analysts had expected this decision.

The RBA might cut its interest rate in coming months. "Further easing of policy may be appropriate over the period ahead," the RBA Governor Glenn Stevens said today.

Retail sales in Australia rose 0.7% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% increase, after a 0.5% gain in January. January's figure was revised up from a 0.4% rise.

The increase was driven by food retailing and household goods retailing.

Job advertisements in Australia dropped 1.4% in March, after a 0.7% rise in February. February's figure was revised down from a 0.9% gain.

The Australian Industry Group's services index fell to 50.2 in March from 51.7 in February.

The Japanese yen traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the yen traded lower against the greenback in the absence of any economic reports from Japan.

Gold moderately cheaper today, departing seven-week high, due to the strengthening of the US dollar and the rise in global stock markets. Meanwhile, a further fall in prices is constrained by uncertainty about the timing of interest rate hikes in the United States, which intensified after weak employment data.

Recall stronger US dollar is putting pressure on gold, as reduces the metal's appeal as an alternative asset and makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for buyers in other currencies. Meanwhile, the delay in raising interest rates contribute to the demand for gold, as it reduces the relative cost of metal retention by ensuring increased profits for investors.

"Gold is likely to continue to depend on the dynamics of the dollar and expectations of rising interest rates in the United States - said analyst ActivTrades Carlo Alberto de Casa. - The next support levels are at $ 1,192 and then $ 1,182."

Meanwhile, an analyst at ANZ Bank Tianpiriya Victor said: "We have not changed expectations about raising the key rate US Federal Reserve in the middle of this year, but Friday's weak data indicate that the rate will be increased rather later than sooner." In addition, experts expect the price of gold will fall to $ 1,100 an ounce by the end of June under pressure from stronger dollar.

As for the situation in the physical market, the Asian demand for the precious metal remains weak at present value. Award at the Shanghai Gold Exchange has fallen below $ 1 per ounce to the spot price in London compared with about $ 2- $ 3 last week, as Chinese buyers returned to the market after the holidays.

May futures for gold on the COMEX today fell to 1213.00 dollars per ounce.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report on Tuesday. Job openings climbed to 5.133 million in February from 4.965 million in January. It was the highest level since January 2001.

January's figure was revised down from 4.998 million.

Analysts had expected job openings to rise to 4.978 million.

The number of job openings rose for total private (4.649 million), while decreased for government (484,000) in February.

The hires rate was 3.5% in February.

Total separations declined to 4.650 million in February from 4.834 million in January.

The JOLTS report is one of the Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's favourite labour market indicators.

Market research group Sentix released its investor confidence index for the Eurozone on Tuesday. The index rose to 20.0 in April from 18.6 in March, missing expectations for an increase to 20.9.

That was the highest level since August 2007.

A reading above 0.0 indicates optimism, below indicates pessimism.

The index benefited from a weaker euro and quantitative easing by the European Central Bank.

The current conditions index climbed to 9 in April from 6.5 in March. It was the highest level since July 2011.

The expectations index remained unchanged at 31.5 in April, its highest level since February 2006.

German investor confidence index dropped to 31.4 in April from 39.5 in March. It was the biggest decline since August 2014.

EUR/USD: $1.0800(E2.1bn), $1.0900(E2.1bn), $1.1000(E3.0bn)

USD/JPY: Y118.35($430mn), Y119.00($927mn), Y119.95/120.05($1.0bn)

GBP/USD: $1.4900(Gbp1.0bn)

AUD/USD: $0.7500(A$252mn), $0.7700(A$344mn)

NZD/USD: $0.7460(NZ$596mn), $0.7595/00(NZ$791mn), $0.7700(NZ$377mn)

Global markets:

Nikkei 19,640.54 +242.56 +1.25%

Hang Seng 25,275.64 +192.89 +0.77%

Shanghai Composite 3,960.98 +97.05 +2.51%

FTSE 6,935.03 +101.57 +1.49%

CAC 5,154.42 +80.28 +1.58%

DAX 12,108.84 +141.45 +1.18%

Crude oil $51.46 (-1.27%)

Gold $1209.70 (-0.73%)

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Upgrades:

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) upgraded to Outperform from Mkt Perform at Bernstein

Downgrades:

American Express (AXP) downgraded to Underperform from Perform at Oppenheimer, target $68

Other:

The Swiss National Bank's foreign exchange reserves increased to 522.323 billion Swiss francs in March from 509.245 billion francs in February.

February's figure was revised down from 509.250 billion francs.

The increase was likely driven by a decline in the Swiss franc. The rise could also reflect the intervention by the central bank.

The SNB declined to comment if it may have intervened.

Economic calendar (GMT0):

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)

01:30 Australia Retail Sales, M/M March 0.5% Revised From 0.4% 0.4% 0.7%

01:30 Australia Retail Sales Y/Y March 0.5% Revised From 3.1% 0.7%

01:30 Australia ANZ Job Advertisements (MoM) March 0.7% Revised From 0.9% -1.4%

04:30 Australia Announcement of the RBA decision on the discount rate 2.25% 2.25% 2.25%

04:30 Australia RBA Rate Statement

07:00 Switzerland Foreign Currency Reserves March 509.3 522.3

07:50 France Services PMI (Finally) March 52.8 52.8 52.4

07:55 Germany Services PMI (Finally) March 55.3 55.3 55.4

08:00 Eurozone Services PMI (Finally) March 54.3 54.3 54.2

08:30 Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence April 18.6 20.9 20

08:30 United Kingdom Purchasing Manager Index Services March 56.7 57.1 58.9

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index, MoM February -1.1% 0.1% 0.5%

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index (YoY) February -3.5% -3.0% -2.8%

The U.S. dollar traded mixed to higher against the most major currencies ahead of the U.S. job openings figures. Job openings are expected to decline to 4.978 million in February from 4.998 million in January.

The euro declined against the U.S. dollar. Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on the euro. Greece have to repay the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche of 448 million euros on April 09. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has said that Greece will make a payment to the IMF on time.

Eurozone' final services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 54.2 in March from a preliminary reading of 54.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 54.3.

Germany's final services PMI rose to 55.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 55.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 55.3.

France's final services PMI declined to 52.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 52.8. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 52.8.

The Sentix investor confidence index for the Eurozone rose to 20.0 in April from 18.6 in March, missing expectations for an increase to 20.9.That was the highest level since August 2007.

Eurozone's producer price index climbed 0.5% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.1% increase, after a 1.1% decline in January. January's figure was revised down from 0.9% drop.

The British pound traded mixed against the U.S. dollar after the better-than-expected services PMI from the U.K. Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. increased to 58.9 in March from 56.7 in February, beating expectations for a rise to 57.1.

The rise was driven by an increase in new business.

The Swiss franc traded lower against the U.S. dollar. The Swiss National Bank's foreign exchange reserves increased to 522.323 billion Swiss francs in March from 509.245 billion francs in February. February's figure was revised down from 509.250 billion francs.

EUR/USD: the currency pair fell to $1.0833

GBP/USD: the currency pair traded mixed

USD/JPY: the currency pair rose to Y120.07

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

14:00 U.S. JOLTs Job Openings February 4998 4978

23:50 Japan Current Account, bln February 61 1150

EUR/USD

Offers 1.1000 1.0920 1.0900 1.0875/80

Bids 1.0820/00 1.0750 1.0700

GBP/USD

Offers 1.5000 1.4950 1.4900

Bids 1.4805/00 1.4750 1.4725/20 1.4710/00

EUR/JPY

Offers 132.00 131.50 130.45/50

Bids 130.00 129.50 129.20/00

USD/JPY

Offers 121.00 120.50

Bids 119.00 118.50

EUR/GBP

Offers 0.7400 0.7390

Bids 0.7285/80 0.7250 0,7210/00

AUD/USD

Offers 0.7800 0.7750 0.7720

Bids 0.7655/50 0.7610/00 0.7550

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William C. Dudley said on Monday that the U.S. economy will grow faster as a slowdown in the first quarter was partly caused by the bad weather.

He noted that a stronger U.S. dollar is "another significant shock" to the U.S. economy, making U.S. exports more expensive.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York president pointed out that falling oil drilling and exploration is a risk to the economy.

Dudley is a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee.

European stocks mostly extend early gains as data boosts sentiment although Greece remains in the focus. Over the weekend Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis said that Greece will meet all obligations to all its creditors, seeking to calm default fears. A lower euro lend further support to European stocks. After Friday's weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data and dovish comments by FED member Lockhart a U.S. rate hike in the middle of the year seems less probable.

The final Services PMI for the Eurozone rose less than expected with a reading of 54.2 points compared to forecasts of 54.3 points but still higher than the previous reading of 53.7 points. Data on German Services PMI for March came in higher than expected at 55.4 compared to forecasts of 55.3. The French Services PMI was reported at 52.4, below the estimated 52.8.vand below the February reading of 53.4.

Sentix Investor Confidence in the Eurozone rose to a seasonally adjusted 20.0 for April, higher than the previous reading of 18.6 but below the estimated increase to 20.9.

U.K.'s Purchasing Manager Index for March rose from 56.7 to 58.9, beating estimates for an increase to 57.1.

Eurozone's Producer Prices for February rose from a previous reading of -0.9% in January to +0.5% in February, more than the expected increase to +0.1%.

The FTSE 100 index is currently trading +1.38% quoted at 6,927.70. Germany's DAX 30 added +0.93% trading at 12,078.92. France's CAC 40 is currently trading at 5,139.77 points, +1.29%.

Oil is trading lower today after yesterday's strong rally ahead of today's API Crude Oil Inventories and Wednesday's official report on U.S. stockpiles. Monday's gains were driven by a report that U.S. supplies surprisingly dropped.

Saudi Arabia, the OPEC's biggest producer, raised prices for its exports to Asia.

Today Goldman Sachs published a report in which the bank says that oil prices have to remain low for an extended period of time in order to slow down U.S. output growth.

Iran, if sanctions will be fully removed, is expected to need some months in order to increase its exports.

Brent Crude lost -0.34% currently trading at USD57.92 a barrel. On January 13th Crude set a low at USD45.19. West Texas Intermediate dropped -0.86% currently quoted at USD51.69.

Oil prices declined sharply in recent months as worldwide supply exceeds demand in a period of low global economic growth, pushing stockpiles to record highs and weighing on prices.

Gold is trading lower today, retreating for a second day and of 7-week highs. Gold prices were pushed lower by a stronger U.S. dollar as the precious metal becomes more expensive for holders of other currencies. Weaker-than-expected U.S. labour market data from Friday makes it more likely that the FED will raise interest rates later than previously expected - normally lending support to the precious metal.

Gold is currently quoted at USD1,207.90 -0,22% a troy ounce, still slightly above the USD1,200 level. On Thursday the 22nd of January gold reached a five-month high at USD1,307.40. On Tuesday the 17^th of march gold traded as low as USD1,142.50, a three-month low.

After cutting rates in February the Reserve Bank of Australia kept its rates steady at 2.25% although the fall of commodity prices weighs on the Australian economy - the price of iron ore, accounting for 20% of Australia's exports, set a new 10-year low last week. In China, the country's biggest trade partner, the economy is slowing. The RBA wants to assess the effects of the last cut before taking further measures but another rate-cut is likely to happen. In a statement the RBA noted that even lower exchange rates will be needed in order to achieve the targeted economic growth. The bank said that domestic demand is quite weak.

The Australian dollar rallied after the announcement, currently trading at USD0.7674.

EUR/USD: $1.0800(E2.1bn), $1.0900(E2.1bn), $1.1000(E3.0bn)

USD/JPY: Y118.35($430mn), Y119.00($927mn), Y119.95/120.05($1.0bn)

GBP/USD: $1.4900(Gbp1.0bn)

AUD/USD: $0.7500(A$252mn), $0.7700(A$344mn)

NZD/USD: $0.7460(NZ$596mn), $0.7595/00(NZ$791mn), $0.7700(NZ$377mn)

Today data on the Sentix Investor Confidence and Services PMI were reported.

The final Services PMI rose less than expected with a reading of 54.2 points compared to forecasts of 54.3 points but still higher than the previous reading of 53.7 points. Data on German Services PMI for March came in higher than expected at 55.4 compared to forecasts of 55.3. The French Services PMI was reported at 52.4, below the estimated 52.8.vand below the February reading of 53.4.

Sentix Investor Confidence in the Eurozone rose to a seasonally adjusted 20.0 for April, higher than the previous reading of 18.6 but below the estimated increase to 20.9.

The single currency came under pressure after the data was reported, currently trading at USD1.0853.

BLOOMBERG

Dollar Drop Signals World's Best Forecaster to Start Buying

It's time for investors who bailed on the dollar in the past few weeks to get back in, says the most-accurate currencies forecaster.

The greenback has tumbled 4.3 percent versus the euro since touching a 12-year high last month amid speculation the Federal Reserve will delay raising interest rates, in part because the dollar's strength is hurting U.S. economic growth. That concern is overblown, according to ING Groep NV, which topped Bloomberg's rankings of foreign-exchange analysts for the second quarter in a row.

"The market is now pricing in a very subdued pace of the tightening cycle -- we disagree," Petr Krpata, a foreign-exchange strategist at ING in London, said on April 1 by phone. "We just see the latest correction as a perfect opportunity to get into the trade again."

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-06/dollar-s-drop-is-cue-to-start-buying-for-world-s-best-forecaster

REUTERS
Greece moves to quell default fears, pledges to meet 'all obligations'

(Reuters) - Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said on Sunday that Greece intends to meet all obligations to all its creditors, ad infinitum," seeking to quell default fears ahead of a big loan payment Athens owes the IMF later this week.

Following a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund, Varoufakis told reporters the government plans to "reform Greece deeply" and would seek to improve the "efficacy of negotiations" with its creditors.

Greece has not received bailout funds since August last year and has resorted to measures such as borrowing from state entities to tide it over. It offered a new package of reforms last week in the hope of unlocking funds, but has yet to win agreement on the proposals with its EU and IMF lenders.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/07/us-eurozone-greece-imf-idUSKBN0MX01D20150407

BLOOMBERG

Rajan Holds India Rate as Banks Fail to Pass on Earlier Cuts

India's central bank left interest rates unchanged as commercial lenders in Asia's third-largest economy have yet to pass on two previous cuts to customers.

Governor Raghuram Rajan kept the benchmark repurchase rate at 7.50 percent, the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement in Mumbai on Tuesday, a move predicted by 33 of 42 economists in a Bloomberg survey. The rest saw a cut to 7.25 percent.

"Going forward, the accommodative stance of monetary policy will be maintained, but monetary policy actions will be conditioned by incoming data," Rajan said. The bank will watch for transmission of previous rate cuts, price rises, government moves to ease supply and normalization of U.S. policy even as India is "better buffered" against volatility, he said.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-07/rajan-holds-india-rates-as-banks-fail-to-pass-on-previous-cuts

European stocks skyrocket at the opening after being closed for Easter-holidays on Monday and ahead of Services PMI data the Eurozone, U.K.'s Purchasing Manger Index and Eurozone's PPI. European stocks follow gains in Asia and the U.S.

Data on German Services PMI for March came in higher than expected at 55.4 compared to forecasts of 55.3. The French Services PMI was reported at 52.4, below the estimated 52.8.

The commodity heavy FTSE 100 index is currently trading +1.20% quoted at 6,917.52 points fuelled by sharp gains in energy and mining stocks. Germany's DAX 30 is trading at 12,096.09 points +1.10%. France's CAC 40 is currently trading at 5,129.83 points, +1.10%.

U.S. stocks rose on Monday as the energy, technology and utilities sector led shares higher. The S&P 500 closed +0.66% with a final quote of 2,080.62 points. The DOW JONES index added gains and rose by +0.66%, closing at 17,880.85 points. Markets were supported by the fact that the FED seems to consider economic factors before hiking the benchmark interest rates. Recent weak U.S data was seen as an indication that the FED will no rush.

Chinese stocks resume their rally amid speculations on further economic stimulus by the PBoC. The economic slowdown in China, the world's second largest economy, is already seen bottoming and China has lots of options left in order to spur the economy. Hong Kong's Hang Seng is closed +0.77% at 25,275.64 points. China's Shanghai Composite rose to 3,938.55 points closing+1.93%.

The Nikkei rose to two-week highs on Monday. The index rose +1.25% to 19,640.54 points. Japanese stocks were supported by gains in the U.S. and the prospect of the FED waiting longer before raising interest rates.

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)

01:30 Australia Retail Sales, M/M March 0.5% 0.4% 0.7%

01:30 Australia Retail Sales Y/Y March 0.5% 0.7%

01:30 Australia ANZ Job Advertisements (MoM) March 0.7% -1.4%

04:30 Australia Announcement of the RBA decision on the discount rate 2.25% 2.25% 2.25

04:30 Australia RBA Rate Statement

The U.S. dollar is trading mixed against its major peers after yesterday's ISM-Non Manufacturing slightly below estimates. New York Fed President William Dudley said in a more or less dovish speech that temporary factors will have to be considered in order to determine the timing of a rate hike as the future developments of the economy cannot be anticipated.

The Australian dollar jumped against the U.S. dollar as the RBA left rates unchanged at 2.25% but said that future rate cuts could be necessary and appropriate in order to keep growth and inflation consistent with the target and that the bank will assess the case for such action in the meetings to come. The AIG Services Index for March declined from 51.7 to 50.2. Australia's Retail Sales rose above forecast +0.7% from a previous reading of 0.5% revised up from +0.4%). Analysts expected a lower growth at +0.4%. Year on year Retail Sales rose +0.7 in March compared to +0.5% a year ago (revised from 3.1%). ANZ Job Advertisements for March declined -1.4%. Last month's reading of +0.9% was revised down to +0.7%.

New Zealand's dollar booked losses against the greenback during the Asian in the absence of any major economic news.

The Japanese yen is trading slightly higher against the greenback in the Asian session in the absence of major economic news.

EUR/USD: the euro traded almost flat against the greenback

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

07:00 Switzerland Foreign Currency Reserves March 509.3

07:50 France Services PMI (Finally) March 52.8 52.8

07:55 Germany Services PMI (Finally) March 55.3 55.3

08:00 Eurozone Services PMIт (Finally) March 54.3 54.3

08:30 Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence April 18.6 20.9

08:30 United Kingdom Purchasing Manager Index Services March 56.7 57.1

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index, MoM February -0.9% 0.1%

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index (YoY) February -3.4% -3.0%

14:00 U.S. JOLTs Job Openings February 4998 4978

19:00 U.S. Consumer Credit February 11.6 13.6

20:30 U.S. API Crude Oil Inventories April 5.2

23:50 Japan Current Account, bln February 61 1150

EUR / USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.1097 (1977)

$1.1052 (1060)

$1.1023 (1124)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.0915

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.0847 (1222)

$1.0790 (1746)

$1.0722 (2908)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date May, 8 is 40858 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1200 (5299);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date May, 8 is 56463 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0000 (7535);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.38 versus 1.36 from the previous trading day according to data from April, 6

GBP/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.5210 (568)

$1.5114 (1010)

$1.5018 (1009)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.4901

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.4878 (1127)

$1.4782 (2377)

$1.4686 (2546)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date May, 8 is 15601 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5100 (1010);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date May, 8 is 22824 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,4700 (2546);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.46 versus 1.47 from the previous trading day according to data from April, 6

* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.

** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.

(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Oil 52.14 +6.11%

Gold 1,214.50 -0.34%

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

Nikkei 225 19,397.98 -37.10 -0.19 %

Topix 1,560.71 -3.45 -0.22 %

S&P 500 2,080.62 +13.66 +0.66 %

NASDAQ Composite 4,917.32 +30.38 +0.62 %

Dow Jones 17,880.85 +117.61 +0.66 %

(pare/closed(GMT +3)/change, %)

EUR/JPY $1,0933 -0,37%

GBP/USD $1,4889 -0,19%

USD/CHF Chf0,958 +0,76%

USD/JPY Y119,49 +0,43%

EUR/JPY Y130,65 +0,17%

GBP/JPY Y177,9 +0,24%

AUD/USD $0,7603 -0,37%

NZD/USD $0,7546 -0,66%

USD/CAD C$1,2472 -0,08%

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

01:30имAustralia Retail Sales, M/M March 0.4% 0.4%

01:30 Australia Retail Sales Y/Y March 3.1%

01:30 Australia ANZ Job Advertisements (MoM) March 0.9%

04:30 Australia Announcement of the RBA decision on the discount rate 2.25% 2.25%

04:30 Australia RBA Rate Statement

07:00 United Kingdom Halifax house price index March -0.3%

07:00 United Kingdom Halifax house price index 3m Y/Y March 8.3%

07:00 Switzerland Foreign Currency Reserves March 509.3

07:50 France Services PMI (Finally) March 52.8 52.8

07:55 Germany Services PMI (Finally) March 55.3 55.3

08:00 Eurozone Services PMIт (Finally) March 54.3 54.3

08:30 Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence April 18.6 20.9

08:30 United Kingdom Purchasing Manager Index Services March 56.7 57.1

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index, MoM February -0.9% 0.1%

09:00 Eurozone Producer Price Index (YoY) February -3.4% -3.0%

14:00 U.S. JOLTs Job Openings February 4998 4978

19:00 U.S. Consumer Credit February 11.6 13.6

20:30 U.S. API Crude Oil Inventories April 5.2

23:50 Japan Current Account, bln February 61 1150