Euro-zone GDP up 1% in Q2

The euro-zone GDP rose 1 per cent in the second quarter, at a pace exceeding the pace of US economic recovery। This pace is the fastest in last four years। On the annual basis euro-zone`s GDP rose 1,7%। Besides GDP of Germany, Europe`s first economy, rose 2,2% - the fastest pace in last 20 years. On the currency market the Euro halted its drop versus the Dollar. The EUR/USD currency pair is now traded at 1,28.

Will Switzerland Face Debt Crisis?

Monday, May 17 Swiss National Bank's Governor Philipp Hildebrand said that euro-zone debt crisis may reflect of economic recovery of Switzerland. Hildebrand mentioned that now price stability is at risk as appreciation of Swiss franc is exaggerated. All time minimum was hit on Monday, when EUR/CHF currency pair dropped to 1,4000 level, unseen previously. On Forex today the pair is in a tight range near 1,4000.

Philipp Hildebrand emphasized the necessity of making European policy stable. The SNB is trying to limit franc`s rise versus the euro. It intervened several times.

In his speech Hildebrand also focused on future of banking industry in the country. He mentioned the situation over UBS and Credit Suisse. The Swiss government decided to bail out UBS bank. According to SNB chief, large banks' investment banking had been a loss-making business for the country.

Bernake to Testify on Exit Strategy

Today the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke in his testimony before the Congress emphasized that the US economy still needs low rates, however the FED may tighten policy if necessary to prevent increase in consumer prices. According to Ben Bernanke, the emergency measures will be lifted when the Federal Reserve System finds it necessary. Once the economy becomes strong enough, the Federal Reserve will act. The tools used by FED, will vary depending on how economy recovers.

Extremely low refinancing rate

“Economy still needs support of monetary policy, and work on further lifting of credit stimulus,” – added Bernanke. In terms of financial crisis the FED, US central bank, voted to lower its key interest rate to its record bottom of 0-0.25% in order to provide the necessary monetary conditions for sooner recovery of economy after it was hit by recession. The US federal funds rate remains at its historical low since December 2008.

Besides, Mr. Bernanke repeated that a hike in discount rate – an emergency credit rate – did not mean a broader tightening of credit to companies and households.

Forex rates

In the Forex market the USD fell on Bernanke testimony as EUR/USD currency pair edged higher to 1.3368 level.

ECB`s Decision Spurs the EUR for a Jump

Yesterday the ECB announced it would lend banks 75.2 billion euros for a year term at the current interest rate of 1%. The number appeared to be lower, than it was anticipated by the experts. The EUR/USD currency pair achieved the level of 1.4634 from 1.4581 point marked on Tuesday. Loose economic policy measures encourages traders who use trading software to choose risky assets for trading.

The unexpectedly low PMI report added to a mixed results of U.S. data released Wednesday, including an improved second-quarter U.S. GDP report, but disappointing U.S. jobless claims, confirming investors' speculations that a sustained economic recovery won't take hold.

The GBP has continued its further falling against other currencies traded on the Forex currency market, unable to shake off the comments by Mervyn King Bank, the Bank of England governor that a weak Pound would be an advantage for the U.K.'s recovery from the global downturn. In today's trading the GBP is at $1.5942 versus the USD.

Today the ministers of finance of EU countries meet in Sweden to discuss further direction of the European economy.