The dollar strengthened versus the euro and the yen as reports showed U.S. consumer confidence reached the highest level since 2008 and home values climbed, bolstering bets the Federal Reserve will slow its bond buying.

The Conference Board's confidence index rose to 76.2, the strongest since February 2008, from a revised 69 in April, data from the New York-based research group showed today. The median forecast called for an increase to 71.2.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index of property values increased 10.9 percent in March from a year earlier, the biggest gain since April 2006, a report showed in New York.

Japan's currency slid against most of its 16 major peers after an adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the nation's central bank can add to its unprecedented stimulus if necessary to support economic revival. The Bank of Japan pledged April 4 to double bond buying in an attempt to secure 2 percent inflation and drag the world's third-biggest economy out of 15 years of deflation. BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda "should continue to trust in his judgment and ease further" if needed, Koichi Hamada, a retired Yale University professor advising Abe, said today. The policy is working "as well or better than expected," he said.

European stocks advanced, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index climbing the most in more than a month, as U.S. and U.K. markets reopened following a public holiday.

The Stoxx 600 increased 1.3 percent to 308.23 at the close of trading, extending its rally this month to 3.9 percent. The gauge has climbed for 12 consecutive months, its longest winning streak since 1997. The equity benchmark has rallied 10 percent so far in 2013, its best start to a year since 1998, as central banks around the world maintained a combination of monetary stimulus and low interest rates.

National benchmark indexes rose in every western-European market except for Greece and Iceland. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 surged 1.6 percent. France's CAC 40 rose 1.4 percent and Germany's DAX advanced 1.2 percent.

AstraZeneca climbed 2.7 percent to 3,521.5 pence. The company agreed to buy the U.S. developer of an experimental treatment for patients with high levels of triglycerides, a contributory factor to heart attacks and strokes. AstraZeneca's cholesterol-lowering drug, Crestor, will face competition from generic treatments in the U.S. from 2016.

Victrex surged 8.4 percent to 1,765 pence. The U.K. maker of heat-resistant plastics for the auto, energy and health-care industries raised its interim dividend by 15 percent to 10.35 pence per share. Revenue climbed 1 percent in the first half to 106.4 million pounds ($160 million) from a year earlier.

Aixtron jumped 7.8 percent to 13.57 euros, its highest price in more than a year. Natixis raised the stock to buy from neutral, citing a rebounding LED industry that the company should benefit from.

Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, the owner of the Cartier brand, added 3 percent to 91.65 francs. Switzerland's watch exports increased 5.7 percent in April from a year earlier, the country's Federal Customs Offices said today.

West Texas Intermediate crude climbed for the first time in five days after U.S. consumer confidence rose to the highest level in more than five years while home prices advanced, signs that the economy and fuel use will grow.

Futures gained as much as 1.9 percent and equities surged as the Conference Board’s index of sentiment rose to 76.2 in May, the strongest level since February 2008. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values jumped 10.9 percent from March 2012, the biggest 12-month expansion since 2006. Saudi Arabia is content with the current oil-market balance, the kingdom’s petroleum minister said before OPEC members meet this week.

The confidence total from the Conference Board, a New York-based private research group, exceeded the highest estimate in a survey of economists. The median forecast called for an increase to 71.2.

The S&P/Case-Shiller housing index was projected to show a 10.2 percent advance, according to the median forecast of 30 economists.

WTI crude for July delivery rose $1.20, or 1.3 percent, to $95.35 a barrel at 11:03 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The volume of all contracts traded was 5.4 percent above the 100-day average for this time of day. Floor trading was closed yesterday because of the Memorial Day holiday, and yesterday’s electronic transactions will be booked with today’s trades for settlement purposes.

Brent oil for July settlement increased $1.68, or 1.6 percent, to $104.30 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange. Volume for all contracts was 20 percent lower than the 100-day average. The European benchmark grade traded at an $8.95 premium to WTI.

The value of gold decreases, while the U.S. dollar exchange rate shows growth after strong consumer confidence data in the U.S..

According to the Conference Board, in May, the index of U.S. consumer confidence improved to 76.2 against 69 the previous month. Analysts had expected the result at 70.7.

At the same time, as shown by the results of recent studies, which were presented to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, in the current month's index of manufacturing activity for the Richmond region increased slightly, but still remained below the zero mark. According to the report, in May, the index of manufacturing activity from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond rose to the level -2, from -6 in the previous month. It is worth noting that, according to the average forecast of most experts, the value of this index was to increase to +2. Recall that the index value below 0 indicates decreased activity, while rising above a given level involves increasing activity.

The cost of the June gold futures on COMEX today dropped to 1372.10 dollars an ounce.

EUR/USD $1.2800, $1.2900, $1.2915, $1.2920, $1.2930, $1.2935, $1.3000

USD/JPY Y100.50, Y101.00, Y101.50, Y101.60, Y101.90, Y102.00, Y102.30

GBP/USD $1.5100

EUR/CHF Chf1.2485

AUD/USD $0.9600, $0.9775, $0.9825

NZD/USD $0.8100

Stock index futures rose as supportive comments from central banks around the world reassured investors that monetary policies designed to support the global economy would remain in place.

On Monday, ECB Executive Board member Joerg Asmussen said the policy would stay as long as necessary. On Tuesday, BOJ board member Ryuzo Miyao said it was vital to keep long- and short-term interest rates stable.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 14,311.98 +169.33 +1.20%

Hang Seng 22,924.25 +238.20 +1.05%

Shanghai Composite 2,321.32 +28.24 +1.23%

FTSE 6,769.28 +114.94 +1.73%

CAC 4,051.49 +56.33 +1.41%

DAX 8,477.72 +94.42 +1.13%

Crude oil $95.13 +1.04%

Gold $1378.80 -0.56%

Upgrades:

Downgrades:

Other:

Boeing (BA) target raised to $116 from $102 at RBC Capital Mkts

Data

00:00 China Leading Index April 99.38 99.8

06:00 Switzerland Trade Balance April 1.90 2.02 1.73

06:45 France Consumer confidence May 83 85 79

07:15 Switzerland Employment Level Quarter I 4.12 4.11 4.15

The yen declined significantly against the dollar, which contributed to the statement of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who said that the central bank can increase the volume of their unprecedented stimulus if needed to support the economic recovery.

In addition, the dynamics of trade have shown results of the latest research that has been presented today Shoko Chukin Bank. As it became known, the level of business confidence for small and medium-sized enterprises in Japan deteriorated in May, registering with the second monthly decline in a row. According to a report in the current month index business sentiment fell to 48.2, compared with 49.4 and 49.7 in March. Recall that the index value below 50 indicates contraction in activity, while growth above this level involves the expansion. Meanwhile, it was revealed that the deterioration in sentiment reflects a negative assessment of business conditions in the non-manufacturing sector. The corresponding figure fell to 49, compared with 51.1 in the previous month. Meanwhile, the degree of confidence in the manufacturing sector remained unchanged - at the level of 47.2. It should be noted that the owners of a small industrial sector is expected that the level of general sentiment, both in manufacturing and non-manufacturing sector, growth will fix in the next month.

The dollar fell against most major currencies in anticipation of the release of macroeconomic data for the U.S., which, according to analysts point to improved consumer confidence and housing prices in America. According to the median forecast of analysts indicator of consumer confidence this month is likely to grow to 71, ie, shows the highest value since November. Rate in April was 68.1. It is also expected that the index of property values ​​in 20 major U.S. cities from S & P / Case-Shiller, may grow up in March, up 10.2% from a year earlier. This may be the strongest jump in prices since April 2006 goda.V whole is worth noting that since the beginning of 2013 the dollar increased by 5.4%, showing the strongest performer among currencies of 10 developed countries and regions.

The Australian dollar rose against the U.S. dollar, departing from the lowest level since June last year. Currently the pair is trading above the pivot, updating the maximum level AUD0.9695. However, daily charts indicate that the bearish trend is continuing within the parameters of the downward channel. Whereas this week, Australia does not publish important economic indicators, the exchange rate is growing ahead of a key report on the United States. Markets expect the Richmond Fed index will rise to 2, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas indicator improved from 68.1 to 70.7. TD Securities analysts point to a mixed outlook for releases, noting the upside risks to report on consumer confidence. In March, housing prices are forecast at 1% m / m and 10.1% y / y

EUR/USD

Offers $1.3050, $1.3000, $1.2960/65, $1.2950, $1.2939

Bids $1.2880, $1.2860/50, $1.2830, $1.2820/00

GBP/USD

Offers $1.5220/30, $1.5190/205, $1.5150/60, $1.5116

Bids $1.5060/50, $1.5040, $1.5000, $1.4985/80

AUD/USD

Offers $0.9820, $0.9800, $0.9780, $0.9750, $0.9735/40, $0.9700

Bids $0.9640/35, $0.9610/00, $0.9590, $0.9570

EUR/GBP

Offers stg0.8650/60, stg0.8620, stg0.8600, stg0.8570/75

Bids stg0.8535/30, stg0.8470, stg0.8445/40

EUR/JPY

Offers Y133.20, Y133.00, Y132.50, Y132.20

Bids Y131.50, Y131.00, Y130.80, Y130.55/50, Y130.45/40

USD/JPY

Offers Y103.40/50, Y103.20, Y103.00, Y102.60/70, Y102.50

Bids Y101.60/50, Y101.20, Y101.00, Y100.85/80, Y100.60/50

European stocks advanced, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index climbing the most in more than three weeks, as U.S. and U.K. markets reopen following a holiday. U.S. index futures and Asian shares also gained.

The Stoxx 600 increased 1.3 percent to 308.13 at 10:49 a.m. in London, extending its rally this month to 3.9 percent. The gauge has climbed for 12 consecutive months, its longest winning streak since 1997. The equity benchmark has rallied 10 percent so far this year, its best start to a year since 1998, as central banks around the world maintained their monetary stimulus.

A separate release at 13:00 GMT may show that house prices increased in March. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 cities gained 1 percent in March, according to the median forecast of economists. That would mean house prices have climbed 10.2 percent from a year earlier, their biggest jump since April 2006. The measure rose 1.2 percent in February.

AstraZeneca (AZN) climbed 3.3 percent to 3,541 pence. The company agreed to buy the U.S. developer of an experimental treatment for patients with high levels of triglycerides, a contributory factor to heart attacks and strokes. AstraZeneca's cholesterol-lowering drug, Crestor, will face competition from generic treatments in the U.S. from 2016.

Victrex advanced 5 percent to 1,710 pence. The U.K. maker of heat-resistant plastics for the auto, energy and health-care industries raised its interim dividend by 15 percent to 10.35 pence per share. Revenue climbed 1 percent in the first half to 106.4 million pounds ($161 million) from a year earlier.

Aixtron jumped 4.5 percent to 13.15 euros for the largest two-day advance in more than a month. Natixis raised the stock to buy from neutral, citing a rebounding LED industry that the company should benefit from.

Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, the owner of the Cartier brand, added 2 percent to 90.80 francs. Switzerland's watch exports increased 5.7 percent in April from a year earlier, the country's Federal Customs Offices said today.

FTSE 100 6,765.1 +110.76 +1.66%

CAC 40 4,054.24 +59.08 +1.48%

DAX 8,476.72 +93.42 +1.11%

EUR/USD $1.2800, $1.2900, $1.2915, $1.2920, $1.2930, $1.2935, $1.3000

USD/JPY Y100.50, Y101.00, Y101.50, Y101.60, Y101.90, Y102.00, Y102.30

GBP/USD $1.5100

EUR/CHF Chf1.2485

AUD/USD $0.9600, $0.9775, $0.9825

NZD/USD $0.8100

Asian stocks rose, ending a five-day losing streak for the regional equities benchmark, as a weakening yen boosted the earnings outlook for Japanese exporters and China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co. surged after saying it will buy its parent's assets.

Nikkei 225 14,311.98 +169.33 +1.20%

S&P/ASX 200 4,970.7 +10.84 +0.22%

Shanghai Composite 2,317.14 +24.07 +1.05%

China Taiping, the first overseas-listed Chinese insurer, jumped 13 percent in Hong Kong. Toyota Motor Corp., the world's biggest carmaker, climbed 4.9 percent in Tokyo.

Toho Holdings Co. lost 5.3 percent as the Japanese maker of medical equipment said it will raise funds to reinvestment in capital.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. sank 6 percent, leading Japanese utilities lower.

00:00 China Leading Index April 99.38 99.8

The dollar rose against most of its major peers before U.S. data today that economists say will show consumer confidence improved and home prices gained. The Conference Board's index of U.S. consumer sentiment probably climbed to 71 this month, the highest since November, from 68.1 in April, according to the median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 U.S. cities may have risen 10.2 percent in March from a year earlier, the biggest jump since April 2006, economists forecast.

The Dollar Index advanced amid prospects improving U.S. fundamentals will prompt the Federal Reserve to taper its monthly bond purchases of $85 billion.

The yen snapped a three-day advance versus the euro as the Bank of Japan estimated that a key component of funds in the nation's economy reached a record amid unprecedented stimulus. The BOJ estimates that deposits it holds in custody for financial companies will rise to a record 72.4 trillion yen ($711 billion) today. The current-account balance is a part of the monetary base, which the central bank plans to double in two years as it buys more than 7 trillion yen of government bonds every month to end 15 years of deflation.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session the pair fell to $ 1.2880

GBP / USD: during the Asian session the pair fell to $ 1.5065

USD / JPY: during the Asian session the pair rose to Y102.00

A light domestic data calendar, BOE Haldane to speak is due to speak in Frankfurt at at 0930GMT, BOE Tucker in London at 1700GMT. For this morning French consumer confidence and Spanish YTD budget update seen in focus in an otherwise data light calendar.

Change % Change Last

GOLD Closed

OIL (WTI) Closed

Change % Change Last

Nikkei 225 14,142.65 -469.80 -3.22%

S&P/ASX 200 4,959.9 -23.60 -0.47%

Shanghai Composite 2,292.36 +3.82 +0.17%

FTSE 100 Closed

CAC 40 3,995.16 +38.37 +0.97%

DAX 8,383.3 +77.98 +0.94%

Dow Closed

Nasdaq Closed

S&P Closed

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

EUR/USD $1,2934 +0,02%

GBP/USD $1,5110 -0,08%

USD/CHF Chf0,9624 +0,11%

USD/JPY Y101,06 -0,23%

EUR/JPY Y130,71 -0,21%

GBP/JPY Y152,70 -0,34%

AUD/USD $0,9634 -0,19%

NZD/USD $0,8085 -0,11%

USD/CAD C$1,0336 +0,19%

00:00 China Leading Index April 99.38

06:00 Switzerland Trade Balance April 1.90 2.02

06:45 France Consumer confidence May 84 85

07:15 Switzerland Employment Level Quarter I 4.12 4.11

13:00 U.S. S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, y/y March +9.3% +10.1%

14:00 U.S. Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index May -6 2

14:00 U.S. Consumer confidence May 68.1 70.7

17:00 United Kingdom MPC Member Tucker Speaks

23:50 Japan Retail sales, y/y April -0.3% -0.4%