AUD Up after Upbeat Data

The aussie rose, supported by upbeat data. The trade surplus in January widened to AUD1.43 billion, the largest since August 2011. The figure also beat estimates for a AUD100 million surplus. Retail sales rose 6.2% on-year in January, the fastest since November 2009.

The EUR rose, rallying to the highest against the USD this year, after the European Central Bank left rates unchanged in its latest meeting, offering no signal whether it will implement more measures to avert the threats of deflation.

The GBP also tacked on, as the Bank of England also kept its rates unchanged. The central bank seeks to let the British economy gain momentum before removing stimulus.

UK DATA: Unemployment Rate Rises To 7.2% In

UK DATA: Unemployment Rate Rises To 7.2% In Oct-Dec Vs 7.1% Sep-Nov
-Jan Claimant Count Falls 27,600; Rate falls to 3.6% Vs 3.7% Dec
-Dec Claimant Count Fall Revised to 27,700 Vs 24,000 Previous Estimate
-Oct-Dec Total Earnings 1.1% 3m/3m y/y vs 0.9% previous 3m

AUSSIE: Fresh wave of demand lifts the aussie.

AUSSIE: Fresh wave of demand lifts the aussie through overnight highs to
$0.9037. The rate holds firm at typing with offers remaining on approach to
$0.9045/50, a break opens tech resistance at $0.9079/81 (38.2% of
$0.9757-0.8660, 18 Feb high).

AUSSIE: MNI Fundamental levels (orders, options,.....

AUSSIE: MNI Fundamental levels (orders, options, technicals)
*$0.9145/50 Strong offers
*$0.9136 100-day ma
*$0.9120 Large stops

OIL: After breaking above initial resistance at......

OIL: After breaking above initial resistance at $102.97 (Oct 16 high) in after
hours action Tuesday, the front NYMEX contract

Japan and Australia resume EPA talks

Japan and Australia are still making efforts behind closed doors to conclude a free-trade agreement. Japanese tariffs on Australian beef are a major stumbling block in the talks.

USD, AUD Down, Rupiah Up

The US dollar fell after a surprisingly weak retail sales and jobs reports. The euro gained against the dollar as a result. Interestingly, the euro barely moved after Italy’s Prime Minister said he will resign on Friday, paving the way for a third administration in 12 months.