Daily Market Report 08/05/2014 USD We saw the dollar pick up slightly last night as Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the US economy is poised for growth. The dollar strengthened as Yellen told the panel that data shows “solid growth” for the economy in the second quarter, supporting the case for faster expansion this year. Yellen was incredibly cautious in her language in regards to future rate hikes but It is notable that she discussed fiscal policy to more a degree than she has done. USD We saw the dollar pick up slightly last night as Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the US economy is poised for growth. The dollar strengthened as Yellen told the panel that data shows “solid growth” for the economy in the second quarter, supporting the case for faster expansion this year. Yellen was incredibly cautious in her language in regards to future rate hikes but It is notable that she discussed fiscal policy to more a degree than she has done. It was said that work would be needed in regards to fiscal sustainability and that in the context of riding rates, Congress should address fiscal policy accordingly. She also commented that labour market conditions are far from satisfactory and that inflation persisting below 2% ‘could pose risks’ Despite the US dollar strengthening marginally following the speech, the longer term downtrend for the US dollar remains intact as the low interest rates in the US is more than likely to prompt investors to reach for return in higher yielding currencies. NZD The New Zealand dollar declined versus all 16 of its major peers after Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler mentioned the central bank may consider selling the currency if it fails to respond to worsening fundamentals. Today Data from Halifax this morning has shown that house prices in the UK have fallen by 0.2% for the month of March causing the pound to lose some ground in early trade. German industrial production was also disappointing with output falling by 0.5% in March. The Bank of England’s interest rate decision and quantitative easing is anticipated to remain at 0.5% and £375bn today – no surprise there then, but it would be interesting to see if there is statement made by the Bank of England with regards to the appreciation of the pound. Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank will me making his monthly monetary policy speech this afternoon. In the last two months, markets have been disappointed with Draghi’s comments – as he continues to remain on the side lines with regards to the central bank either reducing interest rates or introducing quantitative easing. So this afternoon could be interesting should he change from this rhetoric that the central bank will remain accommodative. Key Announcements: 12.00pm – GBP – BoE Interest Rate Decision: Expected to remain at 0.5%. 12.00pm – GBP – BoE Quantitative Easing: Expected to remain at £375bn. 12.45pm – EUR – ECB Interest Rate Decision: Expected to remain at 0.25%. 13.30pm – EUR – ECB Monetary Statement. 13.30pm – USD – Fed Reserve Chair Janet Yellen Speech.