Bell FX: The US budget committee has agreed on a spending plan through until September 30th, which alleviates concerns about the US fiscal situation, further...
Bell FX: The US budget committee has agreed on a spending plan through until September 30th, which alleviates concerns about the US fiscal situation, further supporting the USD. US retail sales rose 0.2% m/m in December, a ninth consecutive monthly gain, and further evidence that the US consumer is responding to improving employment conditions and low interest rates. Overnight the USD reasserted itself after a better than expected data print and comments from Federal Reserve officials highlighted their continued commitment to tapering.The AUD was the key underperformer overnight, sliding steadily below USD0.9000 through the session and is currently trading around USD0.8960. In Australia today, the Chair of the Abbott Government's Commission of Audit, Tony Shepard and the Head of the Secretariat, Peter Crone will appear (starting at 2pm AEDT) before a Senate Select Committee to answer Senators' questions about the progress of the Audit. Today's Forecast Range USD: 0.8920 -0.8995