http://www.spread-betting.org/blog Financial Spread Betting and Trading Blog Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:28:27 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The pound is at its lowest levels against the Euro this year, and down nearly a cent against the USD Brent crude prices at record highs of £77.20 UK is net importer so weaker pound has greater effect on inflation numbers Given how surprisingly robust recent UK economic data has been in the ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/mpc-minutes-send-gbpeur-forex-spreads-to-lowest-levels-this-year/ After weeks of waiting, Greece has received its long awaited bailout in the early hours of this morning. However, the market response was underwhelming to say the least but not altogether surprising, once the detail is examined. The troika report, even on a baseline scenario, is not an encouraging read ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/gold-spread-betting-market-becomes-safe-haven-after-greek-bailout/ Earlier last week, cracks began to appear in the newly agreed austerity measures that had been brokered by Greek politicians and Eurozone finance ministers on the 9th February. Greece faces a hard struggle as it attempts to deflate its economy in line with measures imposed by Brussels. However, despite near cross ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/eurgbp-spread-betting-market-falls-on-strong-uk-data-and-greek-uncertainty/ European stock indices rose on Friday as investor appetite for risk increased on optimism that finally a Greek bailout deal should emerge, after Eurozone officials confirmed that the deal should be approved by Monday. A surprising growth in UK retail sales in January, when a decline was expected, also helped ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/cac-40-spread-betting-index-rallies-on-greek-optimism/ Yet more confusion surrounding Greece sent both stocks and the euro lower in trading as investors downsized the amount of risky assets they hold in their portfolios. The FTSE 100 and CAC 40 both fell 0.7%, whilst the DAX lost 1.3% as all benchmark EU Indices lost ground weighed down ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/greek-trust-issues-see-defensive-spread-betting-markets-push-higher/ Last Week in Review: As Europe froze last week, Greece felt the heat as the latest instalment of austerity measures took place. After days of talks, news was released on Thursday afternoon that Greek political leaders had finally reached an agreement on further austerity measures needed for the country to receive ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/positive-european-data-boosts-eurodollar-spreads-despite-continued-greek-delay/ “Investors bought into stocks on Monday after the Greek parliament passed the latest austerity measures needed in order for the indebted country to receive a second bailout, helping the FTSE 100 to rally 0.9%. What we have seen today is a relief rally, with investors buying into heavyweight financial stocks on ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/uk-shares-spread-betting-markets-rally-as-greece-passes-austerity-measures/ Today, European markets have fallen back sharply as concerns about a Greek default start to manifest themselves against a backdrop of civil unrest in Athens. Resignations from the Greek government in protest of the new austerity measures have also raised tensions as the coalition starts to fracture. Last night’s insistence ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/eurusd-spreads-slide-amid-weak-european-data-and-greek-uncertainty/ Stocks pushed higher in early trading but moves are choppy ahead of important Bank of England and European Central Bank rate decisions out at 12 noon and 12.45pm GMT respectively. The FTSE 100 traded higher by 11 points or 0.2%, underperforming a broadly stronger upside move for French and German ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/shares-spread-betting-bg-group-stocks-rally-on-rise-in-q4-profits/ The FTSE 100 rallied 20 points in early trading as investor appetite for risk increased with optimism that Greece will agree tough austerity measures needed to secure the new bailout funds in time. Meanwhile, eyes also switched to tomorrows Bank of England rate decision which is expected to see more ... http://www.spread-betting.org/blog/ftse-100-spreads-rally-on-increased-demand-in-risk-asset-classes/