USD on top for second consecutive day,........>

FOREX: USD on top for second consecutive day, Scandi currencies left behind

-The Dollar Index looks likely to close above the 50DMA as the greenback enjoyed

its second consecutive day of gains as month- and quarter-end flows buoyed the

dollar and slowed any progress for the EUR. With one business day left before

the end of the month/quarter, tomorrow's trade may be choppy as markets rush to

close business.

-Scandi currencies were left behind following poor Norwegian retail sales and

lower crude oil prices. EUR/SEK rose in tandem to fresh near-decade highs as

equity dividend season continues: of the past 5 years, SEK has weakened across

80% of all dividend-paying months. 

-JPY was offered throughout the session as the dollar gained throughout much of

the NY trading day, with USD/JPY given a firm boost ahead of the close as

reports suggested North Korea are open to bilateral talks with Japan.

-Focus for tomorrow's session turns to Japanese retail sales, German regional

CPIs and unemployment figures, Canadian GDP and US Chicago PMI.