The ZEW survey of investor expectations improved markedly in April jumping to 11.8 from -6.5 the month prior and helped lift the EUR/USD to session highs of 1.2990 in early European trade. Investors were encouraged by signs that the contraction in the 16 member union was beginning to flatten out and undoubtedly were influenced by the strong recovery in the equity markets in March.

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.