The tragedy in Japan is only just now beginning to be understood as various reports come in of thousands of deaths, massive flooding, and nuclear facilities that are in danger. Because of this, traders will have to be pragmatic as far as how they approach the FX markets, especially when it comes to the Yen.
Month: March 2011
Euro Slides as Moody’s Cuts Portugal’s Credit, Technical Momentum Wanes
The euro halted three days of gains versus the dollar as Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Portugal’s credit rating, reviving concern about Europe’s ability to solve its debt crisis.
The 17-nation common currency depreciated versus all but two its major counterparts after Portugal was cut two steps by Moody’s yesterday to A3, four steps from so-called junk status. The rating company said its outlook remained negative given Portugal’s “subdued growth prospects” and risks that the government won’t be able to implement deficit-reduction plans.
Stocks Rally After Three-Day Slide; Oil, Commodities Advance, Euro Weakens
Global shares rallied for the first time in three days as the Nikkei 225 (NKY) Stock Average rebounded from a slump that sent valuations to a 28-month low and commodities gained. The dollar climbed versus the yen as fires at a Japanese nuclear plant hampered efforts to avert a meltdown.
British Pound Continues Gradual Ascent
The British Pound has risen almost 15% against the Dollar over the last twelve months. It seems that the markets are ignoring the fiscal concerns that sent the Pound tumbling in 2010, and focusing more on inflation and the prospect of interest rate hikes. At this point, the Bank of England (BOE) is now racing with the European Central Bank (ECB) to be the first “G4″ Central Bank to hike rates.
Japan crisis puts world financial markets on edge
NEW YORK -Fears over the escalating nuclear crisis in Japan overtook financial markets around the globe Tuesday, pushing stocks and other investments lower. The Japanese stock market lost 10 percent of its value, and Wall Street dropped steeply before bouncing back.