Strong manufacturing data from Europe and Asia boosted risk appetite and the view that recovery is taking hold in economies around the world, keeping dollar gains in check against other major currencies.

The euro slipped 0.2 percent to $1.3489 as Wednesday's quarter-end buying faded and analysts continued to express concern about a debt crisis in Greece.

Business activity in the U.S. Midwest expanded less than expected in March while new orders for U.S. factories rose for a sixth straight month in February.

The euro held near $1.34.

However, the Greek loan gamble was judged a short-term victory, as analysts warned that the debt-laden country is still at risk and the euro is likely to remain weak. It was noted that last Thursday's EU/IMF deal looks unsatisfactory in the long-term on many counts, as it is basically a 'last resort' package that requires EU government unanimity.

The euro crept upwards to 1.3481 dollars, from 1.3477 dollars in New York late on Monday.

Fears over Greece's gaping deficit have battered the euro in recent months. A deal was brokered under which euro zone nations and the IMF will help Greece finance the region’s biggest budget deficit if it runs out of options in capital markets.

The euro rose 0.51% to hit $1.3478.

The Government of Saint Lucia auctioned EC$35 million of 8 year 7.50% fixed rate bonds and EC$11M in 91 day T-bills on March 30th 2010 with a maximum discount rate of 6%.

In other news, GraceKennedy Limited has decided to delist its stock from both the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange ("ECSE") and the Barbados Stock Exchange ("BSE") as of the close of business on June 30th 2010. The decision to delist was taken primarily due to the low levels of trading in GraceKennedy's stock on both these exchanges which did not justify the costs associated with maintaining the listings. The Company will however continue to maintain the listings on the Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago stock exchanges. Holders of GraceKennedy stock can continue to maintain their investment in the company through the withdrawal of their stockholdings from the relevant Securities Depository in Barbados or the Eastern Caribbean and request a physical stock certificate in their own name. They may also choose to transfer their stockholdings from the respective Securities Depository in Barbados or the Eastern Caribbean to their choice of either the Jamaica or Trinidad Central Securities Depositories.

TRINIDAD

It was another week of mixed results on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange as over 1.8 million units were traded valued at over TT$40 million. Of the 22 stocks traded 7 advanced 3 declined while 12 traded firm. Guardian Holding Limited emerged volume leader with more than 34% also holding firm on price at $13.10.

JAMAICA

Over in Jamaica, market indices also posted mixed results last week as a result of the trading of 37 equity securities. The advance decline ratio was 14 to 16, while another 7 shares remained unchanged. Overall market volume exceeded 59 million units valued at over J$444 million. Caribbean Cement Company Limited was the week's lead advancer gaining 14.58% to close the week at $5.50.

BARBADOS

There was an overall increase in activity on the Barbados Stock Exchange as over 109,000 shares were traded, as market indices advanced for the week. Trading was dominated by three companies, led by First Caribbean International Bank with 40,000 shares representing 37% of the total volume, followed by Cable and Wireless Barbados and Sagicor, combining for an additional 44%.

INTERNATIONAL

On the international front, U.S. stocks rose for a fourth week, sending the S&P 500 Index to its longest winning streak since August, on speculation the economy is recovering from the worst contraction since the 1930s.

And finally in commodities news, gold prices rose the most in a week on speculation that demand will increase amid escalating debt concerns in Europe and after a South Korean naval vessel sank near the border with North Korea.

US Dollar vs Euro - Friday, March 26, 2010