Dollar stays weak as retreat extends after Fed vice chair Stanley Fischer's comments. Fischer said that Fed's rate hike from the current historical low near zero "likely will be warranted before the end of the year". And, "whether it’s going to be June or September, or some later date, or some date in between, will depend on the data." Also, "a smooth path upward in the federal funds rate will almost certainly not be realized" after that. He noted that job data would be an important guide and there were "two very positive numbers" for Q1 already and Fed is waiting for another one. Meanwhile, echoing Cleveland Fed Loretta Mester, Fischer said that role of forward guidance should diminish.
In eurozone, ECB president Mario Draghi said to European parliament that the central bank will continue to buy large amounts of debts until end September 2016 and until "sustained adjustment in the path of inflation which is consistent with our aim of achieving inflation rates below, but close to, 2% over the medium term." Regarding the economy, Draghi said that "most recent data and survey evidence show that growth is gaining momentum." And, "the basis for the economic recovery in the euro area has clearly strengthened."
Yesterday, BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda said after meeting prime minister Shinzo Abe that "economy is doing well and remains on track for recovery." And, there is "no change to the price trend" as "oil price declines will eventually stop having an impact on consumer prices". Meanwhile, Kuroda also reiterated his confidence that the 2% inflation target could be met sometime around fiscal 2015 starting in April.
On the data front, Australian conference board leading indicator rose 0.4% in January. Japan manufacturing PMI dropped to 50.4 in March versus expectation of 52.1. China HSBC (LONDON:HSBA) manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.2 in March, back below 50 and missed expectation of 50.3. China conference board leading index rose 1.5% in February. Looking ahead, the European session is rather busy today. eurozone PMIs and UK inflation will be featured. US will release CPI, house price index and new home sales.