Greek expectations takes EURO higher

German Chancellor Angela Merkel breathed new life into the Euro yesterday when she stated that a deal on the Greek emergency package was still within reach when Euro finance ministers meet on Monday. The Euro hit a 6-1/2 month high against the yen which continue to fall on expectations of more forceful monetary easing in Japan. Euro/USD is also stronger trading at 1.2844. 

Investors initially dumped the Euro after Euro finance ministers and IMF, International Monetary Fund, failed to reach a compromise on release of emergency aid for Greece Tuesday night. Merkel’s comments turned the downward trend around. Euro last traded up 1 percent at 105,94 yen. The dollar has over the last seven trading sessions gained 3,9 percent against yen. USD/JPY stands at present at 82,38 giving Japanese exporters a welcomed boost. Yen is broadly falling against other currencies including the Australian dollar. 

Analysts are expecting the yen to continue weakening into the Japanese elections in the middle of December. Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) firm intention for asset purchases and forceful monetary easing makes it likely that the yen shall remain vulnerable in the near term.

After relatively quiet equity sessions in Western Europe and the US Asian stocks rose Thursday morning after a survey showed that China’s manufacturing sector in November expanded for the first time in 13 months. Along with US factory data it raised optimism that the global growth slowdown is turning. MSCI broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan raised 0,8 percent to a one week high. 

Market sentiments were also boosted by the truce between Hamas and Israel on Gaza. Brent crude trades above USD 110 a barrel. Precious metals and commodities show a firmer upward trend. Gold stands at 1730 and silver trades at 33,40. 

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