High yielding currencies were lower during the last few sessions, propelled in part by disappointing growth figures out of the UK. First quarter GDP numbers in the UK were lower than market expectations (largely on weakness seen in the construction sector). This brought sellers into the British Pound as analysts will ramp up their arguments now for why the Bank of England (BoE) is likely to re-introduce their quantitative easing program (in the form of government bond buys).

The Q1…

Equity futures in the US are pushing higher, following gains made in both Europe and Asia. The gains were seen after comments out of the Eurozone and China which showed that both regions are looking for ways to stimulate economic growth and positive earnings released by Best Buy. Best Buy is the biggest retailer of consumer electronics in the US and its stock rose more than 2 percent as earnings improved on increases in smart phone sales. Morgan Stanley and Citi Group helped financials with…

Equity markets in Europe are once again seeing downside pressure as corporate earnings disappoint, uncertainty relative to the next incarnation of government leadership in Greece continues for nearly a week and JP Morgan makes headlines by reporting trading losses of $2 billion.  The declines in equity markets as showing in Asia and in US futures as well and a negative close for the week is likely to throw a bearish shadow on what will likely follow into Monday.

Negative earnings…

Equity markets in Europe gapped lower to start the week after weekend headlines centered on the election outcomes in Greece and France.  In both cases, the previous majority party lost to the anti-austerity candidates, and this is leading markets to question the political progress that has been made in recent months with respect to the structured debt programs that have been passed.  The activity in Europe is dragging on stock prices in Asia in the US as well, with the Euro Stoxx 600 posting…