By midday, the euro fell to session lows against the greenback and traders linked the move to rumors that the U.S. Federal Reserve would raise the discount rate. A Fed spokesman said the Fed does not comment on rumors.

Thursday afternoon, the euro was $1.366 USD.

Late Wednesday in New York, the euro was at $1.3741 from $1.3777 late Tuesday.

The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee, which will announce its decision at about 2:15 pm EST is widely expected to hold benchmark US rates near zero, accompanied by a statement that conditions warrant keeping them "exceptionally low" for an "extended period."

Near-zero US rates have pressured the dollar for months as investors borrowed in the greenback and used the proceeds to buy higher-yielding, riskier currencies such as the Australian dollar.

The euro rose 0.4 percent to $1.3726.

The single currency edged down to $1.3725 versus the dollar Monday, down from $1.3760 in North American trade late Friday.

Over the weekend new reports indicated that European officials were close to an agreement on some form of aid package. But several finance ministers, including France's Christine Lagarde and Germany's Wolfgang Schaeuble, went on record stating that no details would be forthcoming at Monday's monthly meeting of euro-zone finance ministers.

In addition, a weaker outlook in equity markets following a warning by Moody's credit-rating agency over U.S. and British debt levels provided some general support for the U.S. dollar, according to analysts. Since last year, the dollar has tended to benefit from safe-haven buying when equities slip, while falling when equities rise.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

On another slow week on the ECSE, over 19,000 units traded, valued at close to $80,000.

On the RGSM, two Treasury Bill auctions were scheduled for this week. On Tuesday 16th March, the Government of St. Vincent intended to raise EC$20 million, at a maximum discount rate of 5.82%. Government of St. Lucia will auction EC$16 million, at a maximum discount rate of 6%.

Also, the Government of St. Lucia proposes to raise EC$50 million through the issue of an 8-year 7.5% fixed rate bond, in order to fund a portion of the government's 2009/2010 budgeted capital expenditure. The minimum bid for this instrument was EC$5,000. Bidding for this auction is scheduled for March 24th and 25th.

TRINIDAD

On the TTSE, the Composite and Cross Listed Indexes advanced, while the All T&T Index was unchanged. This resulted from the trading in 18 stocks, of which seven advanced, six declined and five traded firm. Grace Kennedy Limited led the advancers, gaining 32% to close at $4. In the heaviest trading for the decliners, Sagicor Financial Corporation closed down by 2%

JAMAICA

All indexes advanced on the JSE, with the All Jamaican Composite leading with 5.7%. 36 stocks traded, with an advance:decline ratio of 28:3. Market volume amounted to 41.3 million units valued at J$326.4 million. Jamaica Money Market Brokers was the volume leader, with 65.3% of volume, followed by Jamaica Broilers Ltd and Scotia Group Jamaica.

BARBADOS

On the BSE, the Regular Market traded over 208,000 shares. The top three companies traded were Insurance Corporation of Barbados with 54.3% of volume, followed by Fortress Caribbean Property Fund and Sagicor Financial Corporation. The Local and Composite indexes declined, with the Cross-listed index remaining unchanged.

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. stocks also gained, extending a second weekly increase for the benchmark FTSE Index, as financial shares advanced. The FTSE 100 has climbed to near the highest level since June 2008.

In currencies news, the dollar and yen fell against all of their major counterparts as the concern that Greece would default eased off. This fuelled an appetite for riskier assets.