Foreign exchange market. American session: the U.S. dollar traded lower due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine

The U.S. dollar traded lower despite the better-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence. The Reuters/Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index increased to 84.1 in April from 82.6 in March. Analysts forecasted 83.2. Services PMI declined to 54.2 in April from 55.3 in March. The projected figure was 56.2. Investors were cautious due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The euro climbed against the U.S. dollar. There was no publication of economic data in the Eurozone.

The British pound was up the U.S. dollar but later lost a part of its gains. The British currency was supported by the better-than-expected retail sales. Retail sales increased 0.1% in March. Analysts forecasted the fall of 0.4%. But the mortgage approvals dropped to 45,900 in March. The projected figure was 48,900. The mortgage approvals in February were revised down to 47,200 from 47,600.

The Japanese yen traded higher against the U.S. dollar due to the demand for safe-haven currency. Japan’s inflation data was published today. Tokyo Consumer Price Index rose 1.3% in April. It is the same increase as in the previous month. Tokyo CPI excluding fresh food climbed 2.7% in April from 1.0% in March. The rise of CPI did not meet the expectations. Analysts forecasted the increase of 2.7%.

Stock markets in Australia and New Zealand were closed for the public holiday.