Guide to today’s important data and events

Today data risks are moderate across board. Focus is on Euro zone.

Data released so far -

• Australia - RBA released minutes of meeting that indicates continuation of the easing cycle.

• China - FDI increased at a slower pace in February at 17% compared to previous 29.4%.

• Japan - BOJ kept monetary policy unchanged concluding its two day meeting. Press conference was held at 6:30 GMT.

Upcoming -

• Euro zone - Consumer price index along with employment change to be released at 10:00 GMT. Zew survey of economic sentiment to be published along.

• Germany - Zew survey of economic sentiment and current situation to be published at 10:00 GMT. Positive data might further induce rally in DAX and bund.

• Canada - manufacturing shipments to be released at 12:30 GMT that is expected to weaken by -1.2%. However no major impact is expected as it's a low key data.

• US - Low key data to be released from US. Housing starts to be released at 12:30 GMT along with building permits. Redbook index to be released at 12:55 GMT. Housing data are vital to assess the strength of that market but may not be much of a mover.

• New Zealand - Current account data to be released at 21:45 GMT. Investors will be looking for signs of weakness amid strong New Zealand dollar and slowing China.

• Japan - Export and import details are to be released at 23:50 GMT. Exports are expected to slow down.