Today's Markets:
In Asia, Japan -2.2% to 8591. Hong Kong +0.5% to 19711. China -0.3%to 2471. India +0.9% to 16863.
In Europe, at midday, London +1.4%. Paris +0.3%. Frankfurt +1.3%.
Futures at 7:00: Dow -1.4%. S&P -1.6%. Nasdaq -1.2%. Crude -1.8%to $84.83. Gold +0.7% to $1890.60.
Tuesday's economic calendar:
10:00 Employment Trends Index
10:00 ISM Non-Manufacturing Index
Franc plunges after SNB pegs it to euro. The Swiss franc was -7.5%vs. the dollar and -7.9% vs. the euro midday in Europe after the Swiss National Bank set a minimum exchange rate of 1.20 francs per euro to counter the strength of the currency and its safe-haven status. Citing "an acute threat to the Swiss economy," the SNB said it "is prepared to buy foreign currency in unlimited quantities." The SNB's move could lead to pressure on the Bank of Japan should investors flock to the yen in reaction.
Italian workers strike ahead of budget debate. Seemingly unworried about the effects of Italy's budget farce on the markets, workers are carrying out an eight-hour general strike to protest the government's €45.5B austerity proposals, which are due to be debated in the Senate today. Despite the union action, the center-left opposition will allow a swift vote and approval could come tomorrow before going to the lower house. Italian 10-year bond yields, which soared 28 basis points yesterday to 5.57%, fell to 5.48% following the SNB's franc-euro announcement. However, analysts said yields could head back up to above 6% on concerns about Italy's commitment to reducing its debt.
Opposition to bailouts grows in Germany. In a preliminary vote, 25 members of Germany's ruling coalition yesterday refused to back a draft bill that would strengthen the EU rescue fund. The measure is expected to pass in parliament due to opposition support, but should Angela Merkel not get a majority with just the coalition, she might be forced to call national elections. Her margin is 19. The vote followed the CDU suffering its worst result ever in a local election in Merkel's home state. To show she will be strict about the bailout, Merkel told the CDU party that Greece will not receive aid payments due this month unless it meets the conditions of its rescue.
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