The dollar traded higher against the euro, although it retreated from earlier reached maximum values. Note that a small effect on the dynamics of trade was the statement of the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke, who said that the U.S. financial system still faces challenges, five years after the onset of the financial crisis. This is forcing regulators to extend their control over all aspects of financial and capital markets. On Friday declared a speech in Chicago, Bernanke said that a number of risks, despite the variety of measures to restore financial markets adopted by lawmakers and regulators since the financial crisis in 2008. Save important risks in terms of short-term financing, and the Company's dependence on short-term wholesale funding markets also remains a source of concern, Bernanke added. Bernanke said the Fed and other regulators in a more holistic approach to assessing the state of the financial markets and exploring those areas that may have paid little attention to the crisis. Central Bank more closely monitoring those companies that have a systemic risk to the economy. The Fed collects more detailed information about the interdependent nature of these companies, evaluating the asset markets and the shadow banking sector for possible vulnerabilities, he said. It is worth noting that Bernanke did not emphasize the intensifying debate among regulators in Washington about capital standards for the banking system.

We also add that, despite the positive monthly performance report for April, which exceeded the forecasts of experts, the dollar continued its decline against the euro.

The yen fell, having passed beyond the level of Y101 to the dollar for the first time in four years, after the release was better than expected data on the number of applications for unemployment in the United States. The publication of this report has provoked widespread increase in the dollar. The yen has fallen by 15% this year. The number of initial claims for unemployment benefits in the U.S. in the week 28 April - 4 May 4000, and decreased by taking into account the correction for seasonal variations was 323,000. This is according to the Ministry of Labour, presented on Thursday. This value was better than forecast by economists. USD / JPY pair finally managed to break above Y100. It was trading around this level since April 4, when the Bank of Japan introduced an aggressive plan to inject liquidity into their economies to stimulate GDP growth.

Also today, Japan registered a current account surplus in the balance of payments for the third month in a row in March, which was 4.3% lower compared to the same period last year. Contributed surplus income from foreign investments, despite the fact that exports remained weak. Current account surplus in the balance of payments in March totaled 1.25 trillion yen. Economists had expected a surplus of 1.22 trillion yen. The balance of payments is calculated determining the difference between Japan's income from foreign sources and payments on foreign bonds, and excludes net capital investment.

The Australian dollar fell to a level of parity against the U.S. dollar after the Reserve Bank of Australia this week cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low. Also today, the RBA released a quarterly report on the course of monetary policy. As it became known, the RBA lowered its inflation forecast for the end of the year to a level of 2.25 percent, and the GDP growth forecast remains unchanged - at 2.5 per cent, which is in the middle of the previously forecasted range of 2-3 percent. For investment in the mining sector, the Reserve Bank of Australia said that they will remain around current levels in 2013-2014., Which is a positive sign, because the prevailing view was that the observers that should be expected to reduce them. The statement also said that the outlook for economic growth has changed little compared to the initial estimate, which was introduced in February. In addition, it is expected that GDP growth will be slightly below trend during 2013, and in 2014 growth will accelerate to a level close to the trend. Achieving peak in investment in resource extraction, the high Australian dollar and the ongoing fiscal consolidation will constrain growth in the next year or so, and the low level of interest rates will help support demand, the RBA said. Meanwhile, the report showed that employment growth is expected to be moderate in the short term. It is predicted that the unemployment rate will rise during the next year, when the return to trend growth will improve the situation in the labor market.

The Canadian dollar fell against the U.S. dollar, as the data that was presented today by Statistics Canada showed that up to April, the number of employees has increased, partly recovering from a significant drop in March, but still not enough to justify the experts' forecasts . According to a report last month, the Canadian economy added 12,500 jobs, compared with the average economists' expectations of 13.5 thousand. However, the April figure presents a significant improvement compared with the previous month, when employment fell by a substantial 54,500 people. In addition, it was reported that the unemployment rate remained unchanged in April - at the level of 7.2%, in line with market expectations. The data also showed that since the beginning of this year, the Canadian economy has lost 13,200 workers lost per month on average about 3,300 jobs. Statistical Office also reported that the increase in April was due to the increase in the number of working full-time, which increased by 36,000, which was partially offset by a decline in employment for part-time - 23 600 people. Note that the public sector, which is under pressure to reduce costs to stabilize the deficit and debt, added 34,200 positions, while the private sector lost 20,000 jobs. In addition, it was reported that the annual rate of wage rose by 2.9% in April after rising 2.1% in March.

European stocks rose today that the session was the fourth increase in a row, which helped upbeat German trade data, which gave rise to the hope that Europe's largest economy is gaining momentum. As shown by the data that was presented today by the Federal Statistical Office, in March month of trade surplus has grown, but still was less than the predictions of experts. According to a report in the adjusted terms, German exports rose in March by 0.5 percent, which was followed after falling 1.2 percent in February, while imports increased by 0.8 percent, after falling 3.9 percent in the previous month.

Note that in view of these changes, the overall trade surplus in the country rose to the level of 17.6 billion euros, compared with the upwardly revised figure for the previous month at 17.7 billion euros. Note that according to the average estimate of analysts, the surplus was to be increased to the level of 18.1 billion euros, compared with 17.1 billion euros, which was originally reported in February.

Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.4% to 304.99, its highest closing level since June 2008. Note that by the end of the week the index gained 1.3%, the third consecutive weekly increase.

Note that in the past week, most European indices rose to multi-year highs, as aggressive easing measures by central banks offset concerns about sluggish growth globally. Last week, the European Central Bank cut interest rates in an attempt to lure the region out of recession. This example also followed the banks of Poland, Australia and South Korea.

FTSE 100 6,624.98 +32.24 +0.49% CAC 40 3,953.83 +25.25 +0.64% DAX 8,278.59 +16.04 +0.19%

The cost of ArcelorMittal jumped 2.55% to 10.09 euros after the report for the first quarter showed that earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization fell to $ 1.57 billion from $ 2.12 billion a year earlier. Note that according to the average forecast earnings have been reduced to $ 1.32 billion

BT shares rose 12.26% to 309.5 pence on the background of the fact that the British telecommunications company reported that in the past quarter profit exceeded analysts' estimates, as the number of high-speed Internet customers, which helped offset the decline in fixed-line phones customers. Note that the adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased by 4% to 1.67 billion pounds ($ 2.58 billion). Analysts had forecast a profit of 1.62 billion pounds.

Cost Generali rose 0.7% to 14.63 euros, reaching the highest price since July 2011, after it was announced that first-quarter profit rose 6.3% as revenue from insurance business increased. Net income for the three months (to March) rose to 603 million euros ($ 786 million) from 567 million euros a year earlier. According to forecasts, the growth was to make 561.4 million euros.

ABB shares fell 0.14% to 21.51 Swiss francs after announcing that CEO Joe Hogan will leave the company for personal reasons.

Cost of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA by 1.64% to 275.9 pence after a British Airways said that first-quarter loss widened on a background of currency fluctuations, and the need to reduce costs by 311 million euros by cutting jobs .

Oil prices fell today, dropping below is $ 95 per barrel as the significant strengthening of the dollar has made oil more expensive for traders using other currencies. Note that the recent signs of improvement that have been seen in the employment data in the U.S., have caused speculation that the Federal Reserve may curtail its aggressive monetary policy. Traders are also influenced by comments from Charles Plosser, president of the Philadelphia Fed. Plosser expressed his desire that the Fed has slowed the pace of bond purchases in the near future. Furthermore, he added that the Fed must defend the target rate of inflation, both the top and the bottom border. In his view, the purchase of bonds, the Fed implemented more effective in the fight against deflation.

Recall that at the present time the Fed buys government bonds in the amount of $ 85 billion a month in order to keep long-term interest rates and stimulate borrowing and spending.

Meanwhile, it became known today, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) left forecasts for demand and supply of oil unchanged. OPEC analysts warn of possible negative risks from China and the Eurozone. This is the last forecast before the scheduled meeting of the leadership of OPEC in Vienna, which will be held later in May. OPEC reported a less significant increase in demand in Q1 than in the past. Oil demand in 2013 is expected to rise by 800,000 barrels per day. Economic factors may lead to a revision of the forecast downward. OPEC has repeatedly mentioned the possible risks for the oil market due to the deteriorating situation in the euro zone. Slower growth in oil demand in China may be of particular importance, as the country is expected to be the growth engine for the world market.

The cost of the June futures on U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) fell to 93.93 dollars per barrel.

June futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture fell $ 2.27 to $ 102.10 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices fell sharply today, as many market participants are waiting for G-7 conference, which will take place this weekend, and on the background of the inevitable growth rates against the Japanese yen, marked yesterday.

Note that gold fell more than 2 percent, reaching a two-week low at the same time, and is now to its highest one-day drop since mid-April, as the breach of key levels prompted active sales of U.S. futures, which are under pressure from a stronger dollar and rising the stock market.

According to traders, triggering stops helped to overcome the key level of support at $ 1,445 and $ 1,440 per ounce, which caused a sharp move down to session lows at $ 1,419.50 an ounce.

We add that the growing optimism about the recovery of the U.S. economy has also led to an increase in the attractiveness of assets, such as gold, and questioned the amount of quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve System.

In addition, Deutsche Bank today announced the lowering of its forecast for gold to $ 1,533 an ounce this year, from $ 1,637 per ounce to $ 1,500 an ounce in 2014 from $ 1,810.

Note the data presented today showed that inventories in the SPDR Gold Trust increased by 2.7 tons, the first time since March 19. Since the beginning of this quarter inventories decreased by 167.1 tons.

The cost of the June gold futures on COMEX today dropped to 1424.20 dollars an ounce.

The dollar strength tone continues to prevail. Support seen at the daily low around $1.2950. Resistance seen at $1.3050 area (session high).

EUR/USD $1.2920, $1.3020, $1.3100, $1.3150/55

USD/JPY Y99.00, Y99.25, Y100.00, Y100.50, Y101.00

EUR/JPY Y130.00

GBP/USD $1.5500, $1.5550, $1.5660

AUD/USD $1.0200

U.S. stock futures were little changed as investors weighed the pace of central bank stimulus amid a meeting of finance ministers.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 14,607.54 +416.06 +2.93%

Hang Seng 23,321.22 +109.74 +0.47%

Shanghai Composite 2,246.83 +13.86 +0.62%

FTSE 6,605.94 +13.20 +0.20%

CAC 3,939.18 +10.60 +0.27%

DAX 8,277.05 +14.50 +0.18%

Crude oil $94.65 -1.81%

Gold $1433.30 -2.40%

EUR/USD

Offers $1.3150, $1.3115/20, $1.3095/105, $1.3075, $1.3050/55

Bids $1.2980, $1.2950

GBP/USD

$1.5600/10, $1.5550, $1.5525/35, $1.5500/05, $1.5480/85

Bids Offers $1.5375/65, $1.5350/40, $1.5300/290

AUD/USD

Offers $1.0230/35, $1.0190/00, $1.0145/50, $1.0120, $1.0090/00, $1.0075/80

Bids $1.0020/15, $1.0000, $0.9980, $0.9950, $0.9925/20

EUR/JPY

Offers Y133.50, Y133.00, Y132.50

Bids Y131.50, Y131.30, Y131.10/00, Y130.80, Y130.55/50

USD/JPY

Offers Y102.50, Y102.15/20, Y102.00, Y101.50

Bids Y100.80, Y100.60/50, Y100.30, Y100.00, Y99.95/90, Y99.80, Y99.50

EUR/GBP

Offers stg0.8545/50, stg0.8530/35, stg0.8500/10, stg0.8470/75

Bids stg0.8430/25, stg0.8410/00

EUR/USD $1.2920, $1.3020, $1.3100, $1.3150/55

USD/JPY Y99.00, Y99.25, Y100.00, Y100.50, Y101.00

EUR/JPY Y130.00

GBP/USD $1.5500, $1.5550, $1.5660

AUD/USD $1.0200

Most Asian stocks rose, with Japan's Topix Index closing at a 4 1/2 year high as the yen weakened beyond 101 per dollar, boosting the earnings outlook for exporters.

Nikkei 225 14,607.54 +416.06 +2.93%

Hang Seng 23,287.63 +76.15 +0.33%

S&P/ASX 200 5,206.09 +7.71 +0.15%

Shanghai Composite 2,246.83 +13.86 +0.62%

Nikon Corp., a camera manufacturer that gets 85 percent of sales outside Japan, soared 15 percent as its earnings forecast topped analyst estimates.

Sharp Corp. jumped 6.4 percent, bringing this week's advance to 34 percent, as the Asahi newspaper reported the Japanese maker of TVs will cut 5,000 jobs.

Mighty River Power Ltd. jumped 4.8 percent on its trading debut after the New Zealand government sold a stake in the nation's biggest initial public offering.

01:30 Australia RBA Monetary Policy Statement

05:00 Japan Eco Watchers Survey: Current April 57.3 59.2 56.5

05:00 Japan Eco Watchers Survey: Outlook April 57.5 57.8

The yen extended its decline to beyond 101 per dollar after a report showed Japanese investors became net buyers of foreign bonds, snapping the longest selling streak since January 2010. Japanese investors were net buyers of foreign bonds in the past two weeks, after six-straight weeks of sales, Ministry of Finance statistics showed today. They bought a net 309.9 billion yen ($3.1 billion) of foreign bonds in the period to May 3, and 204.4 billion yen's worth the week before.

Japan's currency fell versus all but 2 of its 16 major peers as the data supported speculation that stimulus measures spearheaded by Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are driving domestic investors to seek higher returns overseas.

Australia's dollar dropped toward parity with its U.S. counterpart after the Reserve Bank cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low this week. Australia's central bank reiterated its concerns about the currency today in its quarterly monetary policy statement, as it lowered its inflation outlook for this year to 2 percent from as much as 3 percent three months earlier.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session, the pair traded in the range of $ 1.3020-45

GBP / USD: during the Asian session, the pair traded in the range of $ 1.5435-55

USD / JPY: during the Asian session, the pair rose to Y101.20

Change % Change Last

GOLD 1,456.30 -17.40 -1.18%

OIL (WTI) 95.97 -0.65 -0.67%

Change % Change Last

Nikkei 225 -0,66 -94,21 14,191.48%

S & P / ASX 200 -1,35 -0,03 5,198.4%

Shanghai Composite 2,231.59 -14.71 -0.65%

FTSE 100 6,592.74 +9.26 +0.14%

CAC 40 3,928.58 -27.70 -0.70%

DAX 8,262.55 +12.84 +0.16%

Dow -32.46 15,072.66 -0.21%

Nasdaq -6.65 3,406.62 -0.19%

S&P -7.13 1,625.56 -0.44%

(pare/closed(00:00 GMT +02:00)/change, %)

EUR/USD $1,3044 -0,87%

GBP/USD $1,5447 -0,61%

USD/CHF Chf0,9481 +1,39%

USD/JPY Y100,63 +1,68%

EUR/JPY Y131,27 +0,82%

GBP/JPY Y155,44 +1,10%

AUD/USD $1,0091 -0,83%

NZD/USD $0,8398 -0,15%

01:00 China New Loans April 1060 770

01:30 Australia RBA Monetary Policy Statement

05:00 Japan Eco Watchers Survey: Current April 57.3 59.2

05:00 Japan Eco Watchers Survey: Outlook April 57.5

06:00 Germany Current Account March 16.0 20.2

06:00 Germany Trade Balance March 17.1 18.1

08:30 United Kingdom Trade in goods March -9.4 -8.9

09:00 G7 G7 Meetings

12:25 U.S. FOMC Member Charles Evans Speaks

12:30 Canada Unemployment rate April 7.2% 7.2%

12:30 Canada Employment April -54.5 13.5

13:30 U.S. Fed Chairman Bernanke Speaks

18:00 U.S. FOMC Member Esther George Speaks

18:00 U.S. Federal budget April -106.5 93.9