German bunds trade higher ahead of ECB member Lautenschlaeger’s speech, March manufacturing PMI

The German bunds trade higher Thursday as investors wait to watch the European Central Bank member Lautenschlaeger’s speech, scheduled for later in the day. Also, market participants remain keen to read the March manufacturing PMI, due on March 24, which will remain crucial in determining the future direction of the bond market.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond, which moves inversely to its price, slumped 1-1/2 basis points to 0.39 percent, the long-term 30-year bond yields also plunged 1-1/2 basis points to 1.12 percent and the yield on short-term 1-year bond also traded 3-1/2 basis points lower at -0.80 percent by 09:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, the German stock index DAX Index traded 0.15 percent higher at 11,920.00 by 09:10 GMT, while at 09:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly Euro Strength Index remained slightly bearish at -88.90 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex