Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
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
