The EUR/USD regained the 1.3000 handle on early European trade after the ZEW survey of investor sentiment printed better than forecast. The ZEW for the month of March came in at -6.5 versus -12 forecast as investor sentiment improved for the fifth month in a row, The data was somewhat surprising given the dour state of conditions in EZ industrial sector, but clearly investor optimism was driven by hope that the massive fiscal and monetary stimulus put in place by most of the G10 block will soon begin to yield dividends and revive global demand.

A break above 1.1750, and the USD/CHF intraday rally is expected to continue...

The IFO survey of business climate surprised to the upside printing at 83 versus 81 forecast while the current assessment component also beat expectations coming in at 86.8 versus 85 projected. Although the current assessment reading was actually worse than the month prior, reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the manufacturing sector, the overall IFO report suggested that at least for the time being sentiment amongst European business leader appears to have stabilized.

After several straight days of triple digit gains both EUR/USD and GBP/USD stalled in early European session as traders locked in profits ahead of the FOMC decision scheduled for 17:15 GMT later today. In relatively quiet night of trade the euro fell back from the 1.3700 level hitting a low of 1.3628 as data from the EZ showed continued weakness in both service and manufacturing gauges. Cable dropped even harder to 1.5210 after reaching a high of 1.5477 yesterday despite hotter than expected CPI numbers.