Risk correlated currencies declined in early pre-Asia trading on reports that the Greek government has yet to create a debt plan and signs of conflict between the majority party, PASOK and the opposition, New Democracy. Despite relatively light weekend developments, rate decisions and commentary from the RBA, Bank of England and ECB are expected to weigh on the recent gains of their respective currencies.

Weekend Developments

• Greek PM Papademos, leaders agree on 2012 budget
• 2012 spending cuts expected to be around 1.5% of GDP
• Leaders will meet later this week on bank recapitalizations, pension viability
• Opposition leader Samaras: will not permit more austerity leading to recession

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With the private sector agreement between banks and the Greek government still in the balance, the Greek government made some progress this weekend on their budget for 2012, further opening the door for the release of the next tranche of bailout funds. Although expectations were for leaders on both sides to agree on both a budget and debt agreement this weekend, official reports state that negotiations on Greek sovereigns and other parts of this year’s budget will continue into this week.

Risk correlated currencies saw early pressure this morning as central bank rate decisions and commentary highlight this week’s economic calendar. Australia’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia, is expected to cut rates for the fourth time consecutively since October 2011, lowering the cash target by 25 basis points to 4.00%. Even though 4Q 2011 core inflation was higher than expected, continued uncertainties from the European and Asian markets are expected to weigh against a too-tight monetary policy.

The Bank of England is also expected to increase its quantitative easing purchases from a target of GBP 275 billion to GBP 325 billion per month, with Governor Mervyn King previously citing continued weakness in the local economy. The European Central Bank is expected to hold rates steady at 1.00%, although further commentary from President Mario Draghi is expected to drive the Euro.

Date	GMT	CCY	Event	EXP	PREV
02/07	3:30	AUD	RBA Cash Target	4.00%	4.25%
02/09	12:00	GBP	Bank of England Rates	0.50%	0.50%
02/09	12:00	GBP	Bank of England Asset Purchase Target	325B	275B
02/09	12:45	EUR	ECB Announces Benchmark Rate	1.00%	1.00%

At the time of writing, early illiquid markets are trending towards risk aversion, with the Australian dollar losing around 0.400% against the US dollar, and the Euro down about 0.350% against the buck. The Japanese yen is currently the only gainer, moderately stronger by 0.040% against the dollar.

-- By David Liu, DailyFX Research

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