(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Gold $1,294.4 -8.70 -0.67%

ICE Brent Crude Oil $107.83 +0.93 +0.87%

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

Nikkei 14,622.89 +145.73 +1.01%    

Hang Seng 21,834.45 -53.30 -0.24%

Shanghai Composite 2,046.59 -17.08 -0.83%   

S&P 500 1,849.04 -3.52 -0.19%

NASDAQ 4,151.23 -22.35 -0.54%

Dow 16,264.23 -4.76 -0.03%   

FTSE 6,588.32 -16.98 -0.26%

CAC 4,379.06 -6.09 -0.14%

(pare/closed(GMT +2)/change, %)

EUR/USD $1,3740 -0,32%

GBP/USD $1,6603 +0,17%

USD/CHF Chf0,8865 +0,20%

USD/JPY Y102,23 +0,17%

EUR/JPY Y140,46 -0,16%

GBP/JPY Y169,71 +0,32%

AUD/USD $0,9259 +0,43%

NZD/USD $0,8666 +0,78%

USD/CAD C$1,1031 -0,63%

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

00:05 United Kingdom Gfk Consumer Confidence March -7 -6     

07:00 United Kingdom Nationwide house price index March +0.6%         

07:00 United Kingdom Nationwide house price index, y/y March +9.4%         

07:45 France Consumer spending February -2.1% +1.0%     

07:45 France Consumer spending, y/y February -0.5% +0.3%     

08:00 Switzerland KOF Institute Economic Forecast Quarter II             

09:30 United Kingdom Current account, bln Quarter IV -20.7 -13.5     

09:30 United Kingdom GDP, q/q (Finally) Quarter III +0.7% +0.7%     

09:30 United Kingdom GDP, y/y (Finally) Quarter IV +2.7% +2.7%     

10:00 Eurozone Business climate indicator March 0.37 0.38     

10:00 Eurozone Economic sentiment index March 101.2 101.3     

10:00 Eurozone Industrial confidence March -3.4 -3.5     

12:30 U.S. Personal Income, m/m February +0.3% +0.4%     

12:30 U.S. Personal spending February +0.4% +0.3%     

12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, m/m February +0.1% +0.1%     

12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, Y/Y February +1.1% +1.1%     

13:00 Germany CPI, m/m (Preliminary) March +0.5% +0.4%     

13:00 Germany CPI, y/y (Preliminary) March +1.2% +1.1%     

13:55 U.S. Reuters/Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (Finally) March 79.9 80.6

The dollar against the euro has grown significantly , which helped the positive data on GDP and on the labor market . U.S. Commerce Department reported that gross domestic product in the 4th quarter of 2013 increased by 2.6 % compared with the same period last year. This value is higher than the second assessment that GDP grew by 2.4 %, but below economists' forecast for growth of 2.7% . GDP growth in the 4th quarter after growth slowed to 4.1% in the 3rd quarter, but the indicator base strength of the economy has risen. Growth in real final sales , which do not take into account the volatility of stocks subject , accelerated to 2.7% from 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, consumer spending rose by 3.3% , whereas previously assumed their growth by 2.6%.

Meanwhile, a report from the Department of Labor showed that the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits (a measure of layoffs throughout the economy ) decreased by 10,000 and totaled a seasonally adjusted 311,000 in the week ended March 22. Economists had forecast 326,000 new claims for the week . The number of initial claims for the week ending March 15 was slightly revised to 321,000 from 320,000 . Four-week average of initial claims fell to 317,750 last week ( at least since last September ) .

It should also be noted that certain statements after several European officials euro traders now focus on inflation data to determine the fate of the currency .

Pound traded upward against the dollar, but slightly retreated from the highest point of the session. Positively influenced the dynamics of the British retail sales data , but strong U.S. data partly offset the pound . Note that in the UK retail sales rebounded stronger pace in February than expected by economists showed on Thursday , official data Office for National Statistics . Retail sales , including automotive fuel rose 1.7 percent in February from January . It was expected that sales will grow by 0.5 percent , after falling 2 percent in January . Excluding automotive fuel retail sales rose 1.8 percent in February , in contrast to 2 percent drop in the previous month . Economists had expected an increase of 0.3 percent. In annual terms, retail sales , including automotive fuel rose in February by 3.7 percent . Although the level slowed from 3.9 percent growth in January , it exceeded 2.4 per cent growth expected by economists. Except automotive fuel sales growth slowed to 4.2 percent from 4.4 percent in January . Sales are projected to grow had 2.9 percent .

European stocks were little changed, after a two-day rally, as retailers fell and investors weighed U.S. data on economic growth and jobless claims.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index slipped 0.1 percent after jumping 2 percent in the past two days. The gauge is down 2 percent this month, its biggest decline since June, amid tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine.

“We’re still very positive on the European rebound,” said Louis de Fels, a Paris-based fund manager at Raymond James Financial Inc., which oversees about $53 billion. “It’s true that if the problem in Russia continues, it could be very bad for the market. It’s very tough, so we will closely monitor what’s happening and stay focused on stock picking.”

The U.S. and the European Union have imposed financial sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials as well associates of President Vladimir Putin, leaving open the threat of broader measures targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors.

President Barack Obama warned yesterday that the crisis in Ukraine may escalate, saying that indifference to Russia’s annexation of Crimea would ignore the lessons of two world wars.

A report showed U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 2.6 percent annualized rate from October through December, more than the previously estimated 2.4 percent gain reported last month. The median forecast of economists surveyed called for a 2.7 percent increase.

A separate release from the Labor Department showed initial jobless claims unexpectedly fell to 311,000 in the week ended March 22, compared with a median forecast of 323,000.

National benchmark indexes fell in 12 of 18 western-European markets.

FTSE 100 6,581.48 -23.82 -0.36% CAC 40 4,373.93 -11.22 -0.26% DAX 9,445.81 -2.77 -0.03%

H&M slid 4.5 percent to 276.90 kronor. Europe’s second-biggest clothing retailer said net income rose 7.8 percent to 2.65 billion kronor ($409 million) in the first quarter, falling short of the 2.89-billion kronor estimated by analysts. The gross ">Daily Mail & General Trust Plc slumped 7.6 percent, its biggest drop since May 2011, to 891 pence as the publisher reduced the outlook for its risk-management solutions business.

Alstom SA declined 4.9 percent to 19.24 euros. The French maker of trains and power equipment faces a bribery case that may result in one of the largest U.S. anti-corruption enforcement actions, according to two people with knowledge of the probe. The U.S. Justice Department will examine the company’s power projects in China and India, according to court documents in a related case.

Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc dropped 1.6 percent to 301.1 pence after its U.S. unit failed the Federal Reserve’s stress test. The U.S. central bank rejected RBS Citizens Financial Group Inc.’s capital plan.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG slid 1.1 percent to 18.71 euros. Europe’s second-largest airline canceled one in three flights scheduled for today. A walkout by a labor union demanding higher pay at German airports grounds part of its fleet.

United Internet advanced 4.7 percent to 33.70 euros. The German provider of phone and Internet services said earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization climbed 25 percent to 407 million euros ($560 million) last year. Sales rose 11 percent to 2.66 billion euros.

Oil prices have risen markedly today , which was due to concerns about potential supply disruptions on the background of the possibility of conducting new sanctions on Russia's energy sector . U.S. data pointed to the growth of the economy , as prices of second-hand .

Note that yesterday the United States and the European Union have agreed to work together to prepare possible further economic sanctions in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine and to make Europe less dependent on Russian gas. U.S. President Barack Obama warned at a press conference that " the isolation of Russia will worsen tougher sanctions " if Moscow will continue the current course . Analysts say that uncertainty about Russia led to an increase in risk premiums in oil prices .

In addition, price increases help yesterday inventory data . Recall that oil stocks at Cushing last week fell by 1.33 million barrels - to 28.5 million barrels, minimum 2 years. Declines have been the eighth consecutive week . In general, U.S. crude inventories increased by 6.62 million barrels - up to 382.5 million barrels , the highest since November, and distillates - increased by 1.55 million barrels. Demand for gasoline in the United States exceeded 9 million barrels per day for the first time since the beginning of 2014 , rising by 5.8 % last week .

Meanwhile , we note that oil prices could fall to $ 12 per barrel if the United States as part of sanctions against Russia will start selling from strategic reserves of 500 thousand barrels per day. This was stated by an economist at the University of Calgary. At the same time, the expert of Energy Analytics Group Ltd. Tone Finlon believes that the impact will be short lived , as the prices on the world oil market quickly recovered after the previous cases, the sale of fuel from the U.S. reserves . As the senior partner Edward Chow , provisions exist to prevent disruptions , and not to manipulate prices.

With regard to the current situation , the prices are also affected by the fact that oil exports from Iran, the fifth consecutive month exceeds the amount of the sanctions , according to sources that track the movement of tankers. Within six months, until July 20, average exports should not exceed 1 million barrels, but at least November shipment to Asia remain above this level. Nigeria , by contrast, reduces oil exports because of theft . Deliveries may fall to its lowest level since 2009, when it started tracking them , and by May Nigeria may cease to be the largest exporter of oil in Africa .

May futures for U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) rose to $ 101.62 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

May futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose $ 0.84 to $ 107.67 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices continued to decline today , reaching a six-week low at the same time , which was due to pressure from the stronger dollar and signs of improvement in the U.S. economy. Today's report from the U.S. Commerce Department showed that consumer spending late last year increased more significantly than previously thought , which supported the economy before the recent disruptions caused by severe weather conditions this winter. Reported gross domestic product , the broadest indicator of goods and services produced in the economy , in the 4th quarter of 2013 increased by 2.6 % compared with the same period last year. This value is higher than the second assessment that GDP grew by 2.4 %, but below economists' forecast for growth of 2.7% . GDP growth in the 4th quarter after growth slowed to 4.1% in the 3rd quarter, but the indicator base strength of the economy has risen. Growth in real final sales , which do not take into account the volatility of stocks subject , accelerated to 2.7% from 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Last GDP report testified that consumer spending, which account for around two thirds of GDP , grew at the fastest pace since the end of 2010. In the 4th quarter, consumer spending rose by 3.3% , whereas previously assumed their growth by 2.6%. In the 3rd quarter , they rose by 2%.

Were also important labor market data , which showed that the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits (a measure of layoffs throughout the economy ) decreased by 10,000 and totaled a seasonally adjusted 311,000 in the week ended March 22. Economists had forecast 326,000 new claims for the week . The number of initial claims for the week ending March 15 was slightly revised to 321,000 from 320,000 . The four-week moving average of initial claims fell to 317,750 last week (the lowest level since last September)

Note that gold is under heavy selling pressure in recent sessions , as market participants and institutional investors have reduced long positions on expectations that the Fed may raise interest rates earlier than previously thought . This assumption arose after Fed Chairman Janet Yellen said last week that the bank may start to raise interest rates after about six months after the completion of bond-buying program , which is expected to happen this fall.

The cost of the April gold futures on the COMEX today dropped to $ 1297.00 per ounce.

USD/JPY Y101.00, Y101.60/65, Y101.75, Y102.00, Y102.20/30, Y102.40/50, Y103.00, Y103.50, Y104.00, Y104.25

EUR/USD $1.3700, $1.3715, $1.3750, $1.3770, $1.3800, $1.3845/50, $1.3900

AUD/USD $0.9100, $0.9200/10

USD/CAD Cad1.1125, Cad1.1140/50, Cad1.1250, Cad1.1270, Cad1.1300

GBP/USD $1.6475, $1.6500, $1.6530

AUD/NZD NZ$1.0700, NZ$1.0800, NZ$1.0850, NZ$1.0900

EUR/GBP stg0.8245, stg0.8275, stg0.8350

GBP/AUD A$1.8120

U.S. stock futures fell slightly amid data showing the economy grew slower than analysts’ estimated last quarter and jobless claims unexpectedly fell last week.

Global markets:

FTSE 6,565.59 -0.60%

CAC 4,363.22 -0.50%

DAX 9,411.91 -0.39%

Nikkei 14,622.89 +1.01%

Hang Seng 21,834.45 -0.24%

Shanghai Composite 2,046.59 -0.83%

Crude oil $101.11 (+0.85%)

Gold $1296.40 (-0.54%).

EUR/USD

Offers  $1.3890-910, $1.3880, $1.3845/50, $1.3800, $1.3775/80

Bids $1.3725/20, $1.3710/00, $1.3694, $1.3650

GBP/USD

Offers $1.6720/25, $1.6700, $1.6650/55

Bids $1.6600, $1.6580, $1.6550, $1.6500

AUD/USD

Offers $0.9400, $0.9350, $0.9300, $0.9250

Bids $0.9200, $0.9170, $0.9120, $0.9100, $0.9085/80

EUR/JPY

Offers Y142.00, Y141.50, Y141.20

Bids Y140.00, Y139.50

USD/JPY

Offers Y103.00, Y102.80, Y102.50

Bids Y102.00, Y101.60, Y101.50, Y101.35/30, Y101.00

EUR/GBP

Offers stg0.8350, stg0.8300

Bids stg0.8260/50, stg0.8220, stg0.8210/00, stg0.8180

European shares were little changed, after a two-day rally, with retailers dragging down the market. U.S. stock-index futures and Asian shares rose.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose less than 0.1 percent to 331.15 at 9:44 a.m. in London. The benchmark gauge rallied 2 percent in the past two days. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index futures rose 0.2 percent, and the MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.3 percent.

H&M declined 4.6 percent to 276.70 kronor. Europe’s second-biggest clothing retailer said net income rose 7.8 percent to 2.65 billion kronor ($410 million) in the first quarter, falling short of the 2.89-billion kronor estimated by analysts. The gross ">Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc dropped 1.2 percent to 302.5 pence after its U.S. unit failed the Federal Reserve’s stress test. RBS Citizens Financial Group Inc. was one of three U.S. units of foreign banks whose capital plan was rejected.

United Internet advanced 4.1 percent to 33.51 euros. The German provider of phone and Internet services said earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization climbed 25 percent to 407 million euros ($561 million) last year. Sales rose 11 percent to 2.66 billion euros.

FTSE 100 6,576.13 -29.17 -0.44%

CAC 40 4,380.95 -4.20 -0.10%

DAX 9,449.09 +0.51 +0.01%

USD/JPY Y101.00, Y101.60/65, Y101.75, Y102.00, Y102.20/30, Y102.40/50, Y103.00, Y103.50, Y104.00, Y104.25

EUR/USD $1.3700, $1.3715, $1.3750, $1.3770, $1.3800, $1.3845/50, $1.3900

AUD/USD $0.9100, $0.9200/10

USD/CAD Cad1.1125, Cad1.1140/50, Cad1.1250, Cad1.1270, Cad1.1300

GBP/USD $1.6475, $1.6500, $1.6530

AUD/NZD NZ$1.0700, NZ$1.0800, NZ$1.0850, NZ$1.0900

EUR/GBP stg0.8245, stg0.8275, stg0.8350

GBP/AUD A$1.8120

Asia’s benchmark stock gauge headed toward its highest close in two weeks, reversing earlier losses as utilities advanced. Tencent Holdings Ltd. dropped as regional Internet shares sank on concern valuations are too high.

Nikkei 225 14,622.89 +145.73 +1.01%

Hang Seng 21,834.45 -53.30 -0.24%

S&P/ASX 200 5,350.09 -26.66 -0.50%

Shanghai Composite 2,046.59 -17.08 -0.83%

Citic Pacific Ltd. soared 13 percent in Hong Kong on a plan to buy its parent’s assets.

A measure tracking power and gas companies rose the most among the MSCI Asia Pacific Index’s 10 industry groups as Japanese utilities advanced.

Tencent fell 5.9 percent in Hong Kong after King Digital Entertainment Plc, the maker of the “Candy Crush” smartphone game, posted the biggest decline of a newly listed U.S. company in over four months, even after pricing its shares at a discount to peers.

The yen reached a one-week high versus the dollar amid concern Western nations will boost pressure on Russia after U.S. President Barack Obama warned against indifference over the annexation of Crimea. The U.S. and Europe are at “a moment of testing,” as Russia challenges the ideals of democracy, free markets and international law that have spread peace and prosperity, Obama said in a speech yesterday in Brussels.

Japan’s currency held a two-day advance against the euro and is set for the first quarterly gain in six periods before the Asian nation publishes data on consumer prices tomorrow. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News predict a report tomorrow will show Japan’s consumer price index excluding fresh food rose 1.3 percent in February from 12 months earlier, matching the biggest increase in five years and more than halfway to the Bank of Japan’s 2 percent inflation target.

The greenback remained higher versus Europe’s shared currency before a report today that may show faster growth than previously estimated in the world’s biggest economy. Analysts in a separate poll say gross domestic product in the U.S. probably grew at a 2.7 percent annualized rate from October through December, compared with the government’s estimate of 2.4 percent issued last month. The Commerce Department will release the data today.

New Zealand’s dollar climbed for a fifth day after its trade surplus was larger-than-expected last month. Statistics New Zealand said today the nation had a trade surplus of NZ$818 million ($706 million) last month, more than the NZ$600 million forecast by economists surveyed by Bloomberg and the most since April 2011. New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English said the strength of his country’s dollar poses a challenge for exporters.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session, the pair traded in the range of $1.3775-95

GBP / USD: during the Asian session, the pair traded in the range of $1.6565-85

USD / JPY: during the Asian session, the pair is trading around the level of Y102.00

Focus turns to release of UK Retail Sales data at 0930GMT, as cable eyes a move back above $1.6600.