Today's news headlines:

‘Nato states agree to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine’. Following Russia’s withdrawal from Kyiv, it’s thought that it’s re-grouping and re-arming ready for a second offensive on Ukraine’s capital. Nato has offered support to Ukraine by providing more defensive weaponry, but it still appears reluctant to implement a no-fly zone in the region due to the risk of sparking a larger-scale war. Russia has since been suspended from the UN Human Rights Council, with 93 members voting in favour while both China and Iran voted against the proposals. (Financial Times)

‘Emmanuel Macron reckons with anger and apathy as polling day looms’. The first round of the French elections will take place on the 10^th of April, with opinion polls currently putting Macron ahead with 27%, followed by Marine Le Pen with 22%. Unrest with the current political system has been a key theme during the campaign, with many citizens feeling out of touch with the current candidate pool. It’s projected that voter turnout will be at its lowest level since 2002. (Financial Times)

Today

Asian markets managed some marginal gains overnight following a break in a two-day decline on Wall Street. Crude oil prices have retreated back to $96 per barrel, while the Japanese Yen weakened with USD/JPY trading back above 124 this morning. European markets are pointing higher to close out the week.

Events

Japan Consumer Confidence: 32.8 (est. 36.9)
Italian Retail Sales m/m: 9:00AM
Canada Employment Change: 1:30PM
Canada Unemployment Rate: 1:30PM
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Interbank rates:

GBP/USD – 1.3032
GBP/EUR – 1.2006
EUR/USD – 1.0854
USD/CAD – 1.2590

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