The divergence in the stance of monetary policy on both sides of the Atlantic convinced the markets, after Mario Draghi's latest communication, and the leap of the dollar, which fell below 1,30 (1,293), is the consequence. Gold also paid the price of the strength of the greenback, falling to 1264 $/ounce.
The yen is back above 105 against the dollar, returning to the levels of two days ago (the Nikkei marks -0,1%). The stock markets have preferred to capture the profits of the recent rise. Yesterday's close on Wall Street was only slightly negative, despite the good data on the PMI (ISM) index of US services and the stability, at low levels, of unemployment benefits. Labor market data is expected today in America, and international trade data will be released in China on Monday.
The MSCI Asia Pacific regional index is losing 0,5%, but the week will mark a limited gain of 0,2%. Oil fell slightly, mainly due to currency factors: WTI is at 94,5 $/b. Stock futures in London and NY are stable or in minimum negative territory, pending US data.
