AUD/USD trades above the 0.92 line in Tuesday's European session. The Aussie received a boost after positive comments by RBA Governor Glenn Stevens. In the US, Wednesday's key release is Core Durable Goods Orders. The markets are expecting a much smaller gain than in the previous release.
RBA Governor Glenn Stevens gave an upbeat message on Tuesday and the Australian dollar responded with gains. Stevens said that the economy has improved thanks to the lower exchange rate since last April and improved global economic conditions. Stevens reiterated that low interest rates are unlikely to rise in 2014, as the RBA tries to boost consumer spending and residential construction.
US numbers were a mix on Tuesday. CB Consumer Confidence jumped to 82.3 points, easily surpassing the estimate of 78.7 points. This was the key indicator's best showing since December 2007. The news wasn't as good from the housing sector, as New Home Sales fell to 440 thousand, down sharply from the January release of 468 thousand. The reading was short of the estimate of 447 thousand. We'll get a look at Pending Home Sales on Thursday.
The US and its European allies have imposed limited sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea, but are holding off on additional measures if Russia does not take further military action. The lack of a tough response from the West reflects divisions within Europe over how strong a stance to take against Moscow. Meanwhile, the Ukraine has signed an association agreement with the EU and is seeking a loan package of up to $20 billion from the IMF. Ukraine's economy has suffered badly after months of political turmoil.
AUD/USD 0.9137 H: 0.9138 L: 0.9154
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