The euro rose broadly today as above-forecast euro zone inflation cemented the case for gradual rate rises from the European Central Bank, though analysts cautioned against a rapid rise in the currency.
Traders said significant quarter-end and fiscal year-end flows were helping to boost the euro, at the particular expense of the dollar.
Eurostat estimated that consumer prices in the 17 countries using the euro jumped 2.6 per cent year-on-year in March, up from 2.4 per cent in February.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi yesterday implied that the central bank's policy is to gradually raise interest rates, with markets expecting the tightening cycle to begin in April.
Ireland’s Central Bank will later announce the results of stress tests that are expected to signal the nationalisation of the entire banking system. Tests are expected to reveal an additional €18-€23 billion hole in Irish banks' capital.
"Ireland is not a big risk to the euro as there is no systemic risk thanks to the euro zone rescue fund. Confidence is being driven by the larger euro zone countries," said Manuel Oliveri, currency analyst at UBS in Zurich.
The euro rose 0.6 per cent against the dollar to $1.4220, coming within sight of its 2011 high of $1.4249. Traders said a break of option barriers at $1.4250 would be needed for further momentum on the upside.
The single currency hit a 10-month high versus the yen around 117.85.
Anticipation that Japan would buck the global tightening cycle and leave interest rates low to support its quake-hit economy is encouraging players to sell the yen to fund higher-yielding investments, in a revival of the carry trade that flourished before the credit crisis began in 2007.
The dollar rose to a three-week high of 83.21 yen before running into selling by Japanese banks and foreign players along with some fiscal year-end yen demand from Japanese exporters. Strong offers were seen from 83.30 to 83.50, with more around 84.00.
The dollar was up around 9 per cent from its record low of 76.25 yen set on March 17th before G7 central banks intervened in a rare coordinated move to stem the yen's rise.
Reuters