US eco data were stronger than expected

European stock markets opened around 0.5% higher in a catch‐up move and managed to hold on to gains. US stock markets slightly slip away in the opening.
US eco data were stronger than expected. Consumer confidence increased from 116.1 to 125.6 in March, the highest level since December 2000. The Richmond Fed manufacturing index also beat expectations, rising from 17 to 22, the strongest since April 2010. The US trade deficit was smaller than expected in February and housing prices (S&P CS) increased faster than forecast in January.
The ECB improperly veered into political activity during the eurozone crisis and should withdraw from the "troika" of international bailout monitors, according to anti‐corruption watchdog Transparency International.
South Africa's rand plummeted for a second day as speculation intensified that President Jacob Zuma is preparing to fire his finance minister after summoning him back from an overseas investor roadshow. USD/ZAR temporarily rose above 13.
US President Trump will sign an executive order to undo a slew of Obama‐era climate change regulations that his administration says is hobbling oil drillers and coal miners, a move environmental groups have vowed to take to court.
The National Bank of Hungary kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.9%, but the central bank raised its CPI forecast for 2017 to 2.6% in its quarterly Inflation Report from 2.4% in the previous report published in December. It did not change the 3% forecast for 2018 and in a new set of data also predicted 3% inflation in Hungary for 2019.

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EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD picks up pace and reaches two-day tops around 1.1820 at the end of the week. The pair’s move higher comes on the back of renewed weakness in the US Dollar amid growing talk that the Fed could deliver an interest rate cut as early as March. On the docket, the flash US Consumer Sentiment improves to 57.3 in February.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

Gold climbs further, focus is back to 45,000

Gold regains upside traction and surpasses the $4,900 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, shifting its attention to the critical $5,000 region. The move reflects a shift in risk sentiment, driving flows back towards traditional safe haven assets and supporting the yellow metal.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound amid risk-off, $2.6 billion liquidation wave

Bitcoin edges up above $65,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as dust from the recent macro-triggered sell-off settles. The leading altcoin, Ethereum, hovers above $1,900, but resistance at $2,000 caps the upside. Meanwhile, Ripple has recorded the largest intraday jump among the three assets, up over 10% to $1.35.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans.

XRP rally extends as modest ETF inflows support recovery

Ripple is accelerating its recovery, trading above $1.36 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors adjust their positions following a turbulent week in the broader crypto market. The remittance token is up over 21% from its intraday low of $1.12.