Euro: In anticipation of the ECB interest rate decision, and particularly of the Jean-Claude Trichet speech, the euro rate increased and the EUR/USD pair strengthened at the level of $1.4650. According to the expectations, the ECB interested would be increased in July.
Today the ECB left the principal rate unchanged at the 1.25% level.
US Dollar: On Thursday the US dollar managed to win back its previously lost positions against its major competitors.
British Pound: The GBP/USD consolidated at the $1.6450 mark after yesterday’s weakness (due to the possibility that the Moody’s credit agency would reduce the AAA credit rating of England).
According to the expectations, the Bank of England left the principal rate unchanged at the previous level of 0.5%.
Japanese Yen: The USD/JPY showed maximums at the Y80.30 mark.
Australian Dollar: Australian Employment change demonstrated growth only for 7.8K against the forecasted growth for 25K. As a result, the Australian dollar dropped against the greenback. Expectations, that the RBA would increase its principal rate, dropped.
American trading session:
British Pound: The GBP/USD pair decreased to the $1,6360 level by the end of the day.