• European stock markets rose yesterday as the French government successfully sold Treasury bills and investors shrugged off last week’s news that Standard & Poor’s downgraded the credit ratings of nine euro-zone nations. Asia markets rallied this morning after data showed the Chinese economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace in the fourth quarter of 2011.
• The US dollar is currently trading at 1.27 to the euro, 1.53 to the pound and will buy 76.67 Japanese Yen or 8.04 South African Rand.
• Spot gold is currently trading at US$ 1 650.70/oz. and platinum at US$ 1 520.40/oz. Brent crude oil is currently trading at US$ 112.05 per barrel. http://ow.ly/i/pYdW