The dollar sits moderately firmer across.....>

DOLLAR: The dollar sits moderately firmer across the board at the European

crossover. The DXY comfortably holds above the 96 level, extending the uptrend

to 96.14 and brings the 100-dma at 96.19 into view. Above here opens a run at

the Jan 24 high & 61.8% retracement of 97.71-95.02 at 96.57/69. On the downside,

bears need to clear the 200-dma & 61.8% fibo of 93.81-97.71 at 95.37/30 to

change the outlook. Gold consolidates in the middle of its narrow

$1312.81-1315.87 range searching for the next break. Bulls need to recover

yesterday's high at $1316.95 to build on recent momentum, before challenging the

Jan 31 ytd high at $1326.33. Oil futures hold towards the lower end of their

respective 30 pip ranges. US Trade Balance & Nonfarm Productivity the main

highlights today at 1330GMT. U.S. nonfarm productivity is expected to rise by

1.5% in the preliminary estimate for the fourth quarter after a 2.3% rise in the

previous quarter. The absence of GDP growth data from the Commerce Department

will impact this data, as the BLS said it will not be able to produce any of its

normal headline series. Unit labour costs are expected to rise by 1.8% in the

quarter, much faster than the 0.9% gain in the third quarter.