Euro Lifted on Reserve Shift

The pair rose 50 points in a matter of 5 minutes. In an announcement on its website the Riksbank noted that it reduced its dollar denominated assets from 37% to 20% while increasing its holding of euros from 37% to 50% of total reserves.

Reserve diversification by central banks has been a key driver of dollar weakness this year and tonight's news further serves to reinforce the notion that the greenback may be under more structural pressure going forward.

On the economic calendar, the Eurozone data was light with only French Consumer Spending sparking some interest as it showed a healthy gain on 3.5% on year over year basis. Despite the increase, the market was looking for 3.7% jump and therefore did not respond to the figures. With no further news on the calendar this week, the EUR/USD is likely to remain range bound for the rest of the day as traders prepare for next week which should bring a considerable amount of economic and political new flow. Amongst key releases on the agenda are Us housing data, US GDP estimates, the IFO survey and the deadline for US Security Council resolution with Iran.

In Japan, Governor Fukui was decidedly more laissez faire in his comments with respect to the jump in the yields of long term bonds noting that 'the general trend [in long-term rates] is reflecting Japan's economic recovery and rising stock prices'.

Governor Fukui statement suggested that while the Central bank may not abandon ZIRP anytime soon, neither will it attempt to talk down the recent spike in long term rates. Dollar yen weakened a bit as result trading from 117.60 to 117.20 by start of US session.