Euro remains steady after Italy Prime Minister Berlusconi finally resigned over the weekend following parliamentary approval of the austerity package demanded by EU partners. Former European Union competition commissioner Mario Monti was named by President Napolitano as Prime Minister to lead the technical government. Monti is expected to name his cabinet and face a confidence vote this week. But before that, focus will be on today's sale of up to EUR 3b of 5-year bonds. Last week's one year bill auction was solid in spite of higher yields and a successful bond auction today should help keep Italian 10 year yield below 7% and thus stabilize the common currency.
Japanese GDP posted solid 1.5% qoq growth in Q3, inline with expectation, following the natural disaster triggered -0.3% contraction in Q2. Also, that the first expansion in four quarters. The figure translated to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The detail showed that drivers of growth shifted from the public sector to the private sector. However, economists are expecting recovery to lose steam in Q4, and GDP growth so far is projected to be at between 0-0.5%, which is just steady.
Yen is firm after the release with USD/JPY trading at around 77 level, way off the intervention high of 79.52. IMF Managing Director Lagarde commented on recent Japanese intervention in the currency markets and said that's "in line with the spirit of G7 and G20" at curbing excess volatility. Japanese Finance Minster Azumi pledged before that Japan will continue to intervene until he's "satisfied". Hence, while we favor USD/JPY to spiral downward further, we'd also advise traders to be aware of "volatility" and strong rebound in USD/JPY if Japan intervenes again!
Other data released today saw New Zealand retail sales rose strongly by 2.2% qoq in Q3. Japan industrial production dropped -3.3% mom in September. Swiss combined PPI and Eurozone industrial production will be featured later today.
Japanese GDP posted solid 1.5% qoq growth in Q3, inline with expectation, following the natural disaster triggered -0.3% contraction in Q2. Also, that the first expansion in four quarters. The figure translated to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The detail showed that drivers of growth shifted from the public sector to the private sector. However, economists are expecting recovery to lose steam in Q4, and GDP growth so far is projected to be at between 0-0.5%, which is just steady.
Yen is firm after the release with USD/JPY trading at around 77 level, way off the intervention high of 79.52. IMF Managing Director Lagarde commented on recent Japanese intervention in the currency markets and said that's "in line with the spirit of G7 and G20" at curbing excess volatility. Japanese Finance Minster Azumi pledged before that Japan will continue to intervene until he's "satisfied". Hence, while we favor USD/JPY to spiral downward further, we'd also advise traders to be aware of "volatility" and strong rebound in USD/JPY if Japan intervenes again!
Other data released today saw New Zealand retail sales rose strongly by 2.2% qoq in Q3. Japan industrial production dropped -3.3% mom in September. Swiss combined PPI and Eurozone industrial production will be featured later today.