The euro retreated from its session high against the dollar, but continues to trade with a slight increase . Currency was supported data for the euro area , which showed that the level of economic confidence improved in March, more than expected, owing much more confident consumers. Economic sentiment index rose to 102.4 from 101.2 in February , when he was predicted to rise to 101.3 . The index of business optimism in the industry as a whole remained unchanged at -3.3 as a result of expectations of managers relative to the total portfolio of orders and stocks of finished goods . Increased confidence in the services sector by 0.9 points to 4.2 was caused by a more positive assessment last business situation and past demand, which contrast with the pessimistic view of the expected demand . Consumer confidence index was particularly growing , registering the strongest monthly increase since April 2009 . The indicator rose to -9.3 from -12.7 last month. Retailers confidence index was -2.6 compared to -3 in February. Meanwhile , the indicator for construction fell to -28.8 from -28.5 .

Made a slight negative data for Germany . They showed that consumer prices in Germany rose in March by 0.3 % compared with the previous month , after rising 0.5% in February this year . In annual terms, inflation in Germany in March was 1% after 1.2% last month. Consumer prices calculated according to the standards of the European Union in March rose 0.3% on the month and increased by 0.9 % per annum.

Analysts point out that " although recent confidence indicators confirmed baseline scenario ECB economic recovery , inflation falls short of expectations , and probably , this situation will be maintained and further. It is not expected that the ECB will react to a single release, but inflation rates on Monday may be the last straw , to determine the final position of the Governing Council of the ECB , which is still dominated by doubt . "

British pound moderately higher against the U.S. dollar, weak responding to the final GDP data . UK economic growth coincided with a preliminary evaluation at the end of 2013 , data showed on Office for National Statistics released Friday . Gross domestic product grew 0.7 percent sequentially in the fourth quarter , according to the second estimate published on February 26. In annualized GDP rose by 2.7 percent , as well as the previous estimate . At the same time , economic growth in 2013 was revised down to 1.7 percent from 1.8 percent . In turn , the British consumer confidence index reached its highest level since August 2007 against the background of the optimistic expectations of the general economic trends and personal finance . On Friday reported research group GfK. Consumer sentiment index was -5 in March compared with February -7 . Projected growth to -6 . All five measures used to calculate the index , showed an increase in this month. Score personal financial situation over the past twelve months rose to -11 from -13 in February, and their expectations rose slightly to 5 from 4 . Measure of the overall economic situation in the country last year rose by 2 points to -15 . In addition , expectations for the next year rose 2 points to 4 . Index " climate for major purchases " rose four points this month to -7 . Meanwhile, the index " now is a good time for savings" fell two points to -14 .

The yen declined significantly against the U.S. dollar , losing almost 100 points . Explanation for this may be the growth dynamics of stock markets and U.S. bond yields , and, of course , the tax increase on April 1. We also add that market participants continue to assess today 's inflation data , which suggest that the Bank of Japan adopted measures to achieve the inflation target of 2% produce results . National consumer price index in February rose by 1.5% compared with the same period of the previous year , after rising by 1.4%. Meanwhile , CPI Tokyo, which is a leading indicator , in March rose by 1.3 % compared with the same period of the previous year , after rising by 1.1%.

European stocks advanced, extending a weekly gain, as a measure of euro-area economic confidence rose in March more than forecast and Italian banks rallied following a government-debt sale.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.7 percent, extending this week’s advance to 1.7 percent. The benchmark gauge has still dropped 1.3 percent in March amid tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s Crimea region.

“The confidence data show good numbers indeed,” said Espen Furnes, who helps oversee $75 billion at Storebrand Asset Management in Oslo. “The continuing recovery in the euro zone is key for the stock market throughout 2014. I’m pretty confident about the pace and power of the rebound. Based on this, it’s hard to be anything but bullish.”

A gauge of economic confidence in the euro area rose to 102.4 in March from 101.2 a month earlier, beating analyst forecasts for a rise to 101.4. Separate data showed a measure of the region’s industrial confidence stood at minus 3.3 this month, compared with estimates for minus 3.5. In the U.S., consumer spending rose by the most in three months in February, as incomes increased.

National benchmark indexes rose in all of the western European markets except Iceland.

FTSE 100 6,612.19 +23.87 +0.36% CAC 40 4,410.21 +31.15 +0.71% DAX 9,583.57 +132.36 +1.40%    

Intesa Sanpaolo rallied 3.8 percent to 2.41 euros. Italy’s second-biggest bank forecast dividend payouts of 1 billion euros this year and 2 billion euros next. The lender also said its fourth-quarter loss widened to 5.19 billion euros from 83 million euros a year earlier, as it wrote down goodwill and set aside more money for bad loans. Analysts on average had estimated a profit of 210 million euros.

Pirelli climbed 3.6 percent to 11.62 euros after reporting 2013 earnings before interest and taxes of 791 million euros, beating the 789 million-euro average analyst projection. The Italian tiremaker also cut its forecast for 2014 revenue to about 6.2 billion euros from 6.6 billion euros, citing the effect of currency swings.

Deutsche Wohnen AG advanced 1 percent to 15.53 euros after saying funds from operations excluding divestments, a measure of a property company’s ability to generate cash, climbed 68 percent from a year earlier to 114.5 million euros. Germany’s second-biggest residential landlord by market value had forecast 110 million euros. FFO in 2014 will be at least 210 million euros, the company said in a statement.

Aurubis AG, the world’s second-biggest producer of refined copper, gained 2.8 percent to 39.16 euros and Glencore Xstrata Plc, the third biggest, added 1.8 percent to 312.7 pence. A gauge of mining stocks was among the best performers of the 19 industry groups in the Stoxx 600 as copper prices climbed, heading for the biggest weekly gain since September.

The price of oil rose slightly , heading for its first weekly gain in five weeks , amid the promising data from the U.S. and concerns that possible Western sanctions on Russian energy sector could disrupt global supplies . Recall that the data released yesterday showed the U.S. economy grew slightly faster than expected in the fourth quarter , while the number of new applications for unemployment benefits dropped to nearly a four-month low last week , suggesting demand brighter prospects in the country.

"We are seeing quite good prospects for global demand that is likely to support the oil market ", - believes CMC Markets chief strategist Michael McCarthy.

As oil becomes more expensive on the back of positive economic data for the euro area , as well as expectations to support the economy of the PRC , which may increase the demand for raw materials . Earlier today, the European Commission reported that the index of consumer and business confidence in the euro-zone economy in March increased by 1.2 percentage points compared to February - up to 102.4 points. Analysts had expected the index only increase to 101.3 points.

In addition , Premier Wen Li Keqiang said that the state can not ignore the need to combat the economic volatility , as well as "the difficulties and risks" associated with the slowdown in economic growth.

Investors also continue to win back the news of production cuts in Libya due to the closure of ports and oil fields in the country , as well as a reduction in the largest oil reserves in the U.S. terminal in Cushing .

Meanwhile fellow oil factor remains tense situation in Ukraine as a contraction Russian troops to the border with Ukraine could be a harbinger of war between the two countries .

May futures for U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) rose to $ 101.57 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

May futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose $ 0.35 to $ 108.02 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices fell today , reaching in this six-week low , but later could still recover above the opening level . Now gold is on its way to a second consecutive weekly decline , as improving U.S. economic outlook affected the dollar strengthened and risk appetite .

The cost of the precious metal fell by about $ 100 per ounce to six-month high in the last nine trading sessions amid falling geopolitical tensions , strong U.S. economic data and the statements of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen that interest rates may rise in the first half of 2015 . Recall that the low interest rate was an important factor in the growth of gold prices in recent years.

"Given that geopolitical tensions have subsided somewhat , and risk appetite improved after good data from the U.S. , it's all put pressure on the demand for the precious metal as a safe haven ," said analysts VTB Capital. " If the market closes today below $ 1290 , you will see some consolidation near these levels in anticipation of the ECB meeting on Thursday and the employment report in the U.S. non-farm payrolls on Friday ."

Also had little impact today's U.S. data , which showed that Americans spent more money in February as incomes rose . This is a sign that the U.S. economy may have recovered after a cold and snowy winter, observed in most parts of the country. Private consumption, which accounts for the cost of all goods and services rose to a seasonally adjusted 0.3 % last month from January . Cost of goods increased by 0.1%, while spending on services rose 0.3 %. Consumer spending accounts for about two thirds of the country's GDP . Economists had expected that the costs will rise by 0.3 % in February. The January indicator of consumer spending was revised up to 0.2 % from earlier estimate of 0.4% growth . 0.3 % growth in February was the largest monthly increase in consumer spending in November. Personal income also rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.3 % in February. Economists predicted a 0.4 % gain after a 0.3% increase in January .

Also today it was announced that the stocks in the fund SPDR Gold Trust remained unchanged on Thursday after outflows for two consecutive days.

Traders say that the physical market demand may grow , given the recent sharp drop in prices , but they remain cautious , because consumers are not aware of the direction of price movement from current levels . Prices in the world's largest consumer of gold - China remained at a discount to spot prices , indicating a lack of new demand .

The cost of the April gold futures on the COMEX today dropped to $ 1295.00 per ounce.

USD/JPY Y101.50, Y101.65, Y102.00, Y102.20, Y103.00, Y103.50

EUR/USD $1.3710, $1.3750, $1.3795, $1.3800, $1.3850

AUD/USD $0.9150, $0.9170, $0.9200, $0.9230

USD/CAD Cad1.1100, Cad1.1145/50, Cad1.1165, Cad1.1180, Cad1.1235, Cad1.1250, Cad1.1300

GBP/USD $1.6650

AUD/NZD NZ$1.0500

EUR/GBP stg0.8275

AUD/JPY Y90.25, Y91.85

USD/CHF Chf0.8850, Chf0.8900

NZD/USD $0.8700

GBP/AUD A$1.8100

U.S. stock futures rose, investors await a report that may show consumer confidence fell less than previously estimated.

Global markets:

Nikkei 14,696.03 +0.50%

Hang Seng 22,065.53 +1.06%

Shanghai Composite 2,041.71 -0.24%

FTSE 6,592.65 +0.07%

CAC 4,390.58 +0.26%

DAX 9,523.73 +0.77%

Crude oil $101.75 (+0.46%)

Gold $1288.40 (-0.48%).

Upgrades:

Downgrades:

Other:

RBC Capital Mkts raises its Microsoft (MSFT) target to $44 from $37

EUR/USD

Offers $1.3880, $1.3845/50, $1.3820, $1.3800, $1.3775/80

Bids $1.3705/00, $1.3694, $1.3650, $1.3640, $1.3630/20

GBP/USD

Offers  $1.6700, $1.6650/55

Bids $1.6580, $1.6550, $1.6520, $1.6500

AUD/USD

Offers $0.9400, $0.9350, $0.9300, $0.9275/80

Bids $0.9220, $0.9200, $0.9170, $0.9155/50

EUR/JPY

Offers Y141.50, Y141.20, Y140.85/90

Bids Y140.25/20, Y139.50, Y139.00

USD/JPY

Offers Y103.00, Y102.80, Y102.50

Bids Y102.00, Y101.80, Y101.60, Y101.50, Y101.35/30

EUR/GBP

Offers stg0.8350, stg0.8300

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

European stocks advanced, extending a weekly gain, as a measure of euro-area economic confidence rose in March more than forecast. U.S. index futures and Asian shares also climbed.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.7 percent to 333.83 at 10:36 a.m. in London, extending this week’s advance to 1.8 percent. The benchmark gauge has still dropped 1.2 percent so far in March amid tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s Crimea region.

A gauge of economic confidence in the euro zone rose to 102.4 in March, from 101.2 a month earlier, beating analyst forecasts for a rise to 101.4. Separate data showed a measure of the region’s industrial confidence stood at minus 3.3 this month, compared with estimates for minus 3.5.

Intesa Sanpaolo gained 5 percent to 2.44 euros. Italy’s second-biggest bank forecast dividend payouts of 1 billion euros this year and 2 billion euros next year. The lender also said its fourth-quarter loss widened to 5.19 billion euros from 83 million euros a year earlier, as it wrote down goodwill and set aside more money for bad loans. Analysts on average had estimated a profit of 210 million euros.

Pirelli climbed 3 percent to 11.56 euros after reporting 2013 earnings before interest and taxes of 791 million euros, beating the 789 million-euro average analyst projection. The Italian tiremaker also cut its forecast for 2014 revenue to about 6.2 billion euros from 6.6 billion euros, citing the effect of currency swings.

Deutsche Wohnen AG advanced 1.8 percent to 15.64 euros after saying funds from operations excluding divestments, a measure of a property company’s ability to generate cash, climbed 68 percent from a year earlier to 114.5 million euros. Germany’s second-biggest residential landlord by market value had forecast 110 million euros. FFO in 2014 will be at least 210 million euros, the company said in a statement.

FTSE 100 6,604.59 +16.27 +0.25%

CAC 40 4,400.54 +21.48 +0.49%

DAX 9,538.6 +87.39 +0.92%

USD/JPY Y101.50, Y101.65, Y102.00, Y102.20, Y103.00, Y103.50

EUR/USD $1.3710, $1.3750, $1.3795, $1.3800, $1.3850

AUD/USD $0.9150, $0.9170, $0.9200, $0.9230

USD/CAD Cad1.1100, Cad1.1145/50, Cad1.1165, Cad1.1180, Cad1.1235, Cad1.1250, Cad1.1300

GBP/USD $1.6650

AUD/NZD NZ$1.0500

EUR/GBP stg0.8275

AUD/JPY Y90.25, Y91.85

USD/CHF Chf0.8850, Chf0.8900

NZD/USD $0.8700

GBP/AUD A$1.8100

Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark gauge heading for its biggest weekly increase in almost a year. Yahoo Japan Corp. plunged after agreeing to buy assets from parent SoftBank Corp.

Nikkei 225 14,696.03 +73.14 +0.50%

Hang Seng 22,065.53 +231.08 +1.06%

S&P/ASX 200 5,366.94 +16.85 +0.31%

Shanghai Composite 2,041.71 -4.88 -0.24%

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. soared 7.5 percent in Hong Kong after full-year net income rose 47 percent.

Tencent Holdings Ltd. added 2.5 percent to advance the first time in four days.

Yahoo Japan slumped 6.4 percent after agreeing to buy eAccess Ltd. for 324 billion yen ($3.2 billion) from SoftBank, which fell 1.5 percent.

00:05 United Kingdom Gfk Consumer Confidence March -7 -6 -5

Australia and New Zealand’s currencies led gains among the Group of 10 major developed currencies amid optimism over the two nations’ economies ahead of central bank meetings next month. The Reserve Bank of Australia will meet on April 1. Interest-rate swaps data compiled by Bloomberg show traders are certain New Zealand’s central bank will lift borrowing costs at its next policy review on April 24.

The Australian dollar headed for a sixth-straight daily advance, while its New Zealand peer jumped to the strongest level in 2 1/2 years after China’s Premier Li Keqiang said he’s confident growth will be in a “reasonable range” and the nation can’t ignore “difficulties and risks” from downward pressure on Asia’s biggest economy. Li said economic development in China, the biggest market for Australian and New Zealand exports, has “great resilience and room,” in remarks from a statement posted on the Chinese government’s website.

The euro traded near a three-week low before data forecast to show inflation in the region slowed. Consumer prices in the euro area probably increased 0.6 percent in March from a year earlier, according to the median estimate of economists in a Bloomberg survey before the European Union’s statistics office releases its initial estimate on March 31. That compares with a final reading for February of a 0.7 percent increase.

Citigroup Inc. said it expects the yen to weaken as the Bank of Japan adds to stimulus by July. In Japan, Citigroup expects additional BOJ easing in June or July to drive the yen down to the 108-110 per dollar level, Tokyo-based strategist Osamu Takashima wrote in a research note dated yesterday.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session, the pair traded in the range of $ 1.3735-50

GBP / USD: during the Asian session, the pair rose to $ 1.6620

USD / JPY: on Asian session the pair traded in the range of Y102.05-25

Focus turns to release of UK Q4 GDP final figures and Current Account data at 0930GMT for direction.