Daily Market Report 04/12/12 Republicans and Democrats clash at the cliff In the last week we have seen extended dollar weakness against euro strength, this trend continued yesterday, reaching near month lows for the greenback. The euro is gaining strength following news Spain that has applied for a bailout for its banks, whilst a Greek bond buy-back scheme looks to be building a head of steam that would cut the debt burden on the troubled nation. Republicans and Democrats clash at the cliff In the last week we have seen extended dollar weakness against euro strength, this trend continued yesterday, reaching near month lows for the greenback. The euro is gaining strength following news Spain that has applied for a bailout for its banks, whilst a Greek bond buy-back scheme looks to be building a head of steam that would cut the debt burden on the troubled nation. In the US confidence that congress will agree a deal on the looming fiscal cliff has inspired investors to search for greater returns elsewhere. It appears that though discussions are advancing, they are also becoming pricklier, as the disparities between Democrat and Republican stances make themselves apparent. Obama’s proposal for higher tax rates was, as expected, rebuffed by Republican leaders, with John Boehner submitting a counteroffer which was substantially focused on slashing the president’s prize achievements thus far, Medicare and social spending. These political differences will be fierce, and may cause a standoff. Resultant deviations from the current trend may show short bursts of dollar strength, however despite these disagreements, eventually congress will agree a deal. The overall trend until a solution to the fiscal cliff is found may be one of dollar weakness. Beyond this point we may see investors reassess the real state of the global economy and decide to take comfort in the safe havens, prompting dollar strength against its peers in the New Year. Key Announcements Today 03.30am – AUD – RBA Rate Statement: rates cut from 3.25% to 3.00% 08.00am – EUR – Spanish Unemployment Change: dropped to 74.3k All Day – EUR – ECOFIN Meetings 09.30am – GBP – Construction PMI: expected at 50.7