Data:
03:30 Japan BoJ Interest Rate Decision (May 20) 0.1%
The yen headed for the first five-day drop in three weeks against the euro on prospects the Bank of Japan will maintain monetary stimulus to support an economy in recession after a record earthquake.
Japan’s currency was set for a weekly loss against all of its major counterparts as the central bank kept its key rate at a range of zero to 0.1 percent.
The dollar is poised for a five- day decline against the euro before data forecast to show U.S. new home sales grew at a slower pace.
The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged and refrained from increasing its credit programs at the end of a two-day meeting today, as predicted by all economists.
EUR/USD: the pair bargained within the limits of $1.4290-$ 1.4340.
GBP/USD: the pair bargained within the limits of $1.6210-$ 1.6240.
USD/JPY: the pair bargained within the limits of Y81.60-Y8180.
European data rounds off at 1000GMT with
France industrial orders, which are released at the same time as the Bundesbank publishes the Monthly Bulletin for May.