In a Reuters poll of 52 economists across Europe, Germany’s business climate index fell below all forecasts. Business sentiment in France fell to a low level. Dutch business confidence fell in April. The head of the European Central Bank said, “”We have observed in the recent period of time sharp fluctuations and we are concerned about their possible implication for financial and economic stability.”
“More than ever, what is said by the U.S. authorities at the level of president, minister of finance and Ben Bernanke on the fact that a strong dollar is in the interest of the U.S. is very important.”
“The euro-zone economy is coming under stress, particularly the more resilient part of the euro zone,” said Matthew Sharratt, a Bank of America economist. [story]