The markets have been supported in recent times by the hope of measures to support the economy by the Fed, the ECB and the Chinese monetary authorities. Yesterday, Asian markets confirmed hopes, also based on the minutes of the meetings of the Japanese central bank, which indicate that other stimuli are imminent.
The regional index rose slightly, after gaining 3% last week (the strongest weekly gain since January). And today, data on US retail sales for January are expected, which analysts estimate positive, as well as tomorrow's data on industrial production should register progress. British and American stock futures signal slightly higher openings.
The euro is little changed, above 1.23; the euro/yen exchange rate, which was 110 at the end of March, fell to 96.8 and could challenge the all-time low of 94.3 reached on 24 July.
