European session:

The euro weakened for a fourth day versus the dollar as Spanish and Italian bonds slumped and borrowing costs increased at a French auction, adding to concern the region’s debt crisis is spreading.

Spain’s 10-year yield rose as much as 15 basis points to 5.84 percent, the highest since Dec. 13 after demand declined at a Spanish debt sale yesterday. Italy’s 10-year yield increased 12 basis points to 5.48 percent.

France auctioned 4.32 billion euros of 10-year debt today at an average yield of 2.98 percent, up from 2.91 percent at the previous offering on March 1. Borrowing costs for five-year and 15-year debt also increased.

The Swiss franc rose beyond the central bank’s limit of 1.20 per euro for the first time since the ceiling was put in place in September as investors sought the safest assets.

The pound strengthened for a second day versus the euro as the Bank of England left its bond-purchase target unchanged at 325 billion pounds and its policy rate at 0.5 percent.

EUR/USD: the pair fell in $1,3040 area.

GBP/USD: the pair decreased in $1,5830 area, fell below МА (200) for D1 ($1,5845).

USD/JPY: the pair showed low below Y82,00, but returned above later.

The Canada Ivey Purchasing Managers Index is due at 1400GMT.