Prices changed little in the early Asian afternoon. Operators are awaiting Mario Draghi's press conference, which will explain the modalities of that quantitative expansion of the currency which, according to the unanimity of analysts, the ECB has finally decided to adopt.
Last night's positive closing on Wall Street benefited from solid data on the US economy. In the real estate field, new residential construction sites have risen beyond expectations, and building permits continue at high levels. Even the refinancing of mortgages (operations that put money in the pockets of borrowers) after the jump of 66% last week, have risen further, in relation to the record levels (down) of 30-year rates: 3,66%.
In the currency field, the euro strengthened slightly, and is close to 1,16 against the dollar, while the yen weakens and reaches 118,2.
Crude oil, which yesterday climbed above 48, maintains a gain compared to 24 hours ago and reaches 47,4 $/b (WTI, 48,9 for Brent). Gold is always high: even if it has not maintained the 1300 level, today it is at 1292 $/ounce.
Wall Street futures were slightly positive (+0,1%).
Attachments: The Bloomberg article
