Dear Reader,

Here is an overview of today's economic news and market action:

• Chair Powell struck a hawkish tone yesterday …
• US rate hike expectations firmed markedly …
• As a result, the dollar was in the ascendancy …
• Sees EUR/USD open today back in the lower half of $1.05-1.06 …
• GBP/USD is operating down near $1.18 …
• EUR/GBP is changing hands above the 89p threshold …
• The second day of Powell’s testimony will feature today ..
• Elsewhere, remarks from ECB Lagarde may garner attention …

Recent inflation data have been disappointing, especially in regard to core measures. It started in the US, with the latest data for core inflation, which excludes food and energy, posting unexpectedly large monthly increases of 0.6% and 0.4% for January and December, respectively, leaving the annual rate stuck around 4.7%.

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Good Inflation News in Short Supply

Recent inflation data have been disappointing, especially in regard to core measures...

Ireland's service sector gained some further growth momentum midway through the first quarter of the year with the latest AIB PMI® survey data marking exactly two consecutive years of monthly improvements in business activity, new business, and employment.

Watch our video to learn the key features of a Forward Contract and how it will help provide you with greater certainty on profit margins