Guide to today’s important data and events

Event and data risks are high today, Focus is on FOMC minutes.

Data released so far -

• Japan - BOJ kept monetary policy unchanged with 8-1 vote. Eco watchers survey for current is up to 52.2 from 50.1 prior and outlook to 53.4 from 53.2 prior.

• Germany - Factory orders grew in Germany fell by -0.9% mom and -1.3% YoY in February.

• France - Trade balance runs in deficit at € -3.45 billion. Prior was €-3.762 billion.

• Switzerland - CPI in March dropped -0.9% YoY, however grew 0.3% mom.

Upcoming -

• Euro zone - Retail sales report for March will be released at 9:00 GMT. Euro group will hold meeting on Greek ELA today. Complete withdrawal is unlikely, however imposing strict restriction could be Euro negative.

• UK - BOE will release 1^st quarter credit condition survey around 9:30 GMT. Today is tentative date for release of Halifax house prices. RICS house price balance would be released at 23:00 GMT.

• US - MBA mortgage application to be released at 11:00 GMT, followed by FOMC minutes at 18:00's William Dudley will be giving speech at 13:30 GMT.

• Australia - AIG performance of construction statistics will be released at 23:30 GMT.

• Auctions - US will auction 10 year bond around 17:00 GMT.