Asian session: The euro slid for a fourth day against the yen

00:30 Australia ANZ Job Advertisements (MoM) February +6.0% +3.3%

The euro slid for a fourth day against the yen before data economists say will show the region’s retail sales dropped for a third month, adding to signs the currency bloc’s debt woes are hurting the economy. Euro-area retail sales probably declined 0.1 percent in January from the previous month when they fell 0.3 percent, a Bloomberg News survey of economists showed before data from the European Union’s statistics office today. The European Central Bank is predicted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a record low 1 percent at its March 8 meeting, according to a separate survey.

The Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index was at 56.2 last month, another survey showed before the report from the Arizona-based group today. The gauge for U.S. service industries was 56.8 in January, the highest since February 2011 and above the 50 level that signals expansion.

Australia’s dollar weakened against most of its peers amid concern slower growth in China’s economy will decrease demand for the South Pacific country’s commodities.

China’s government will target economic growth of 7.5 percent this year, the lowest goal since 2004, according to a state-of-the-nation speech from Premier Wen Jiabao to lawmakers in Beijing today.

The yen appreciated versus all of its 16 major counterparts amid speculation Japanese exporters are taking advantage of the currency’s drop to repatriate overseas income.

EUR/USD: during the Asian session the pair holds in range $1.3180-$1.3215.

GBP/USD: during the Asian session the pair decreased come nearer to $1.58.

USD/JPY: during the Asian session the pair fell, after growth on Friday.

This morning sees the release of the final services PMIs, including France at 0848GMT, Germany at 0853GMT and then the main EMU data at 0858GMT. EMU data for Monday rounds off with retail trade at 1000GMT. The UK also releases the Markit/CIPS Services PMI at 0928GMT. US data starts at 1430GMT with the weekly Capital Goods Index. At 1500GMT, Factory Orders, the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index and also the online help-wanted index are all due.