The single currency rose 0.4% versus the dollar to $1.3271.

The pound declined against the U.S. dollar after the U.K. released its first quarter GDP showing that the nation expanded by 0.2% after it was growing by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2009 while it was expected to keep that growing rate. The GBP/USD is currently trading at $1.5304.

In late morning trading the euro bought $1.3357, down slightly from $1.3389 the night before in New York trading.

In other trading, the British pound rose to US$1.5403 from US$1.5398, hitting a 4-day high ahead of the release of key data on the U.K. retail sector and British public sector net borrowing.

The euro is at $1.3376 from $1.3445.

The British pound gained after the number of U.K. jobless benefit claimants fell more than the market anticipated last month, by 32,900 rather than the 10,000 expected. Some observers also feel that the downside risks to the economy have eased.

The British pound is at $1.5388 from $1.5372.

The euro was at $1.3462 in early Tuesday trading, down slightly from $1.3475 in overnight trading.

The British pound rose 0.3 per cent to $1.5386 against the dollar on speculation that stronger than expected inflation data might cause the Bank of England to raise interest rates sooner than previously forecast.

The British pound ($1.5252) fell 0.5% versus the U.S. dollar. The U.K. currency is vulnerable to fears that the May 6 general election will result in a hung parliament, with no party winning an outright majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, resulting in a weak minority or coalition government.

The U.K. pound is trading in the $1.55480-$1.5500 range. The currency had dipped in the wake of the immediate reaction to U.K. televised debates that judged Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg as the winner, reinforcing fears of a hung parliament. However, the pound sterling bounced back in morning trading.

The secondary market of the ECSE recorded little movement, with less than 6,000 units trading. St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank led activity, with 5,000 shares crossing the market.

On the RGSM, the Government of St. Vincent raised EC$20 million dollars in an oversubscribed 91-day Treasury Bill auctioned on Monday April 19th.

In other news, CariCRIS has re-affirmed the CariBBB+ rating of St. Lucia. This effectively positions the country as an investment-grade country. This rating is contingent on the government's containment of fiscal debt and the resumption of real GDP growth led by the tourism and construction sectors. The rating could be downgraded if these objectives are not met.

TRINIDAD

On the TTSE, the Composite and Cross Listed Indexes advanced, while the All T&T declined by 0.43%. 21 stocks traded, with 3 advancing, 3 declining and 15 trading firm. Sagicor Financial Corporation led the advancers, closing up 8.91%, while the decliners were led by Scotia DBG Investments Ltd, down 9.74%.

In other news, Trinidad's Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams expressed concern about the continued drought situation's effect on the country's agricultural output. Food prices are expected to continue rising, contributing to the country's inflation.

JAMAICA

All three major indexes advanced on the JSE, with the Select Index leading with 1.2%, closing at 2.3 thousand. The Cross Listed Index closed unchanged at 848.92. Market volume amounted to 44.3 million units valued at J$252.3 million. Gleaner Company was the volume leader with 23.8%, followed by Jamaica Broilers Ltd and Kingston Properties Ltd.

INTERNATIONAL

On the international front, Goldman Sachs Group was sued by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission for fraud tied to collateralized debt obligations, a derivative product tied to subprime mortgages, which contributed to the world financial crisis. This news caused the company's stock to fall 13% and triggered a ripple effect on the world markets - stocks and commodities tumbled, while investors flew to the safety of the U.S. dollar and Treasuries; the S&P 500 Index sank 1.6%, the lowest since February 4th; oil slid 2.7%, and gold declined by 2%, also the lowest in two months. Over in the U.K., stocks dropped to the lowest it has been in two months, with the benchmark FTSE100 Index sinking 1.4%.

EUR/USD hit $1.3521 during midday European trading, its lowest since last Friday.

The UK pound halted its decline against the U.S. dollar, ahead of a flurry of key data on unemployment claims, the manufacturing sector and foreign purchases of U.S. Treasury debt.

GBP/USD rose from a daily low of $1.5385 to reach $1.5435.

EUR/USD gained 0.24% to hit $1.3646 after the European Union's statistics agency said industrial production in the 16-nation region rose in February 0.9%, after a 1.6% increase in January. Analysts had expected more modest growth of 0.2% in February.

The dollar also slipped versus the pound, with GBP/USD advancing 0.43% to hit $1.5447.

Reportedly, the rate on any loans to Greece would be significantly cheaper than what the country can currently borrow given poor market sentiment and the country's diminished credit rating. Industry experts are therefore not sure that the country's financial troubles are behind it.

The euro slipped back from the start of the Asian session, dropping to a low of $1.3500 after an initial attempt to rebound through $1.3600 faltered.

The UK pound slipped against the U.S. dollar as Britain's opposition Conservative Party was set to launch its election manifesto and ahead of reports being released on the United States/Britain trade balances.

GBP/USD hit 1.536 during early European trade,

Under the agreement, euro-zone nations will provide up to EUR30 billion for the country in the first year of any support programs. Greece would pay an interest rate of around 5% for a three-year loan program, well below the interest rate of more than 7% on Greek sovereign debt last week.

Meanwhile, the dollar was down versus the pound, with GBP/USD advancing 0.15% to hit 1.5394, as the ruling Labor party vowed to foster Britain's fragile economic recovery if it is elected for a fourth term in office.

The euro was at $1.3653 in early trading.