News that Standard & Poor’s rating agency had cut theratings on five German banks also weighed on the euro, traderssaid [ID:nWNA3448], as did worries about U.S bank stresstests. A source said results on Thursday will show Bank of America(BAC.N) has a capital shortfall of $34 billion[ID:nN05520304]. Considering the risks ahead, which also include a morecomprehensive U.S. employment report on Friday, “I would stillfavor selling rallies in the euro,” said Jacob Oubina, currencystrategist at Forex in Bedminister, New Jersey.
The euro was last down 0.3 percent at $1.3283 EUR= afterhaving climbed as high as $1.3374 after the U.S. jobs data.Sterling fell 0.2 percent to $1.5046 GBP= while the dollarwas off 0.1 percent at 98.75 yen JPY=. Losses for the euro and sterling were limited, however,because the market in general remains more favorably disposedtoward risk, Oubina said The U.S. jobs data, coupled with recent encouraging signsfrom the housing market and improved manufacturing data fromEurope, China and India, have all added to hopes that the worstmay be over. Dan Cook, senior market analyst at IG Markets in Chicago,said the jobs data was especially hopeful. “With everythingdependent on the labor market, this was a fantastic indicationthat maybe we are seeing a turnaround.” While it may be too early to call a bottom for financialmarkets and the world economy, “it’s definitely good to see animprovement in these numbers,” said UBS currency strategistBrian Kim.The Bank of England also meets on Thursday and is seenholding its benchmark interest rate at 0.5 percent, a recordlow. But the main focus is on the ECB and whether it announcesany additional unconventional policy measures such as buyingsecurities to stimulate growth.
(Additional reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss and NickOlivari in New York) (Editing by Theodore d’Afflisio) Currencies Global Markets China. Named a Top 100 Supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado;Provided Technology Network for Prestigious VA Winter Sports ClinicDENVER–(Business Wire)–Global Technology Resources, Inc. (GTRI), a leading provider of technologyconsulting services, was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC)as one of its top 100 supporters. GTRI was recognized for its outstandingcommitment to the BBBSC at its annual awards ceremony on April 30, 2009, held atthe Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver, where Mayor John W.
Hickenlooper wason hand to recognize each of the top supporters GTRI began supporting BBBS of Colorado in 2008. The company sent 40 “Bigs” and40 “Littles” on a ski trip to Winter Park in March of 2009, where most LittleBrothers and Little Sisters experienced skiing for the first time. BBBS` mentoring program is nationally recognized and proven as a “modelprogram,” designed to serve youth by providing them with safe, quality mentoringrelationships that help them reach their full potential. Through the programLittle Brothers and Little Sisters have better attitudes towards school, getalong better with adults and peers, have higher self-esteems and have a bettersense of their future. In addition to its philanthropic commitment to BBBSC, GTRI became a majorsponsor of the prestigious Veterans Affairs (VA) Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen,CO from March 28 to April 30, 2009 where it deployed a temporary network,including wireless and phone access, to aid registrants and volunteers. WithGTRI`s network, family members and other veterans were able to watch many fellowvets ski for the first time via Wireless IP Video on the mountainside.
Nearly400 disabled veterans from around the country tested their abilities andstrengths in several Olympic style events. “We strive to support non-profit organizations that share common values with ourfirm and have a similar vision for improving the community in which we live,”said Lance Vierra, president and co-founder of GTRI. “We have made a strongcommitment to both the BBBSC and the VA Winter Sports Clinic to not only supportthe community but also enrich the lives of our employees.” Over the past two years, GTRI has contributed more than $250,000 toorganizations around Colorado. GTRI supports activities that enhance and servecommunities and the issues that impact quality of life. GTRI encouragesemployees to get involved in their communities and also makes it easy foremployees to volunteer their time. Employees are given a paid day off tovolunteer with a 501c3 charitable organization through GTRI`s PhilanthropicProgram. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of ColoradoThe mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado is to help children reachtheir full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one, volunteermentoring relationships with measurable impact.
