Strong U.S. Jobs Report Pushes Up Dollar
borrowing costs saw U.S. stock futures pare gains ahead of the start of U.S. trading and trigger a small dip in MSCI's record-high All World index . The dollar also rose in the currency market, hitting a session high against the yen and the euro as markets also tuned in for the monthly European Central Bank news conference as it fleshed out last month's easing measures. ECB President Mario Draghi said the risks facing the euro zone economy meant interest rates will stay low for an extended period and detailed plans for a new, conditional tranche of ultra-cheap loans to banks that it hopes
Europe, China Economic News Challenges Shipping Demand
. The 18-nation Euro zone’s gross domestic product will rise 1.7% in 2015, compared with a February prediction of 1.8%, the Brussels-based commission said today. The inflation rate will be 0.8% this year and 1.2% in 2015, both lower than previously forecast and well below the European Central Bank’s target of just below 2%. Eurozone manufacturing recovery broadens in April Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at Markit, said, “The Eurozone PMI paints a promising picture for the region’s manufacturers at the start of the second quarter.” He continued