11.06.07 Commentary

The latest wave of dollar strength, which was limited to the Euro, British pound and Japanese Yen, was triggered by the intraday reversal in yields, the drop in oil prices and the stronger US trade balance. Ten year bond yields hit a high of 5.24 percent, but ended the day in negative territory. Oil prices slipped as the cyclone in the Middle East loses strength. We are also finally seeing the benefits of the weak US dollar. The trade deficit dropped significantly in the month of April as import demand subsided while export demand hit a record high. The increase in exports is the main reason why many economists including Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke are looking for stronger growth in the second half.