It hit an all-time high of 5.4% in the July-September quarter, according to latest central-bank data.
The index is compiled on a quarterly basis using official government statistics or central bank data where available.
FORBES: If Hong Kong Isn't A Housing Bubble, Then Nothing Is
Central bank data last week showed the current-account gap widened to a record 6.7% of GDP in the October-December quarter, from 5.4% in the preceding quarter.
Data from the European Central Bank and the Bundesbank were also used.
Economists said the disappointing data meant the European Central Bank was likely to cut interest rates this Thursday.
According to the Central Bank, February GDP data from the IBC-Br monthly figures showed the economy contracting by 0.23% month over month (seasonally adjusted).
FORBES: As Brazil Economic Growth Flattens, Will $35 Bln Stimulus Help?
The European Commission has warned that the bills on Hungary's central bank, the judiciary and data protection authority put those bodies' independence at risk.
BBC: Thousands of Hungarians rally to back embattled PM Orban
Anubhuti Sahay, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank, said Monday's data should come as a "big relief" to the central bank.
Wim Duisengerg, president of the European Central Bank, said there was insufficient data to justify a cut in rates at the present time.
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi warned Wednesday that recent data suggest the economic crisis engulfing the eurozone zone is impacting Germany.
FORBES: Stocks Slump As Market Reacts To Obama Win, Draghi's Germany Warning
Economists said that the disappointing data had increased the likelihood of the European Central Bank announcing a cut in interest rates when it reveals its decision this Thursday.
BBC: Eurozone unemployment at record high as inflation drops
The index is proportionally weighted based on foreign-exchange trading volume data from the Bank for International Settlements' triennial central-bank survey on global foreign-exchange market activity.
The weak data lend support to the view that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates further, after having trimmed by 50 basis points last Thursday, to take them to a two-year low of 3.25%.
The latest data on economic activity and inflation, alongside the recent central bank statement, are in line with keeping rates unchanged.
Renewed confidence that the European Central Bank and Federal Reserve would continue their stimulus policies helped offset data showing unemployment in Germany increased in February.
Initial high-frequency data for September, though, point at a recovery in EM central bank demand for the common currency.
FORBES: EM Central Banks To Gobble Up Euros After Sharp Drop Against The Dollar
The central bank said "labor market conditions have deteriorated, and the available data indicate that consumer spending, business investment and industrial production have declined" since its policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee last met.
The answer depends on how US economic data, Debt Ceiling Negotiations on the national debt limit, and central bank actions will play out with popular trade strategies like shorting the dollar, buy commodities, and exporters.
FORBES: Beginning of the Week Market Review: Investors Should Keep an Eye on the "Big Picture"
Many are hoping the China data will show improvement following the recent monetary stimulus measures from the Chinese central bank.
FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Near Steady; Bulls Still in Technical Command
The data have been weak, but the market has been driven more by central bank action over the past few months.
Investors remain cautious ahead of data releases on both side of the Atlantic today and ahead of upcoming Central Bank announcements.
Investors are also weighing the prospects for an interest-rate cut or other action by European Central Bank officials scheduled to meet Thursday, following another wave of disappointing economic data from the euro zone in recent days.
Traders said the initial setback for the market came overnight from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who said the central bank could reduce asset purchases in coming months if U.S. economic data improve.
Some economists had been hoping for a rate cut after recent industrial and manufacturing data supplied further evidence that economic growth in Britain was slowing, but the central bank is more worried about high inflation brought on by rising oil and food prices.
Investors were looking ahead to euro-zone inflation data, which if low, could be interpreted as a sign that the European Central Bank can lower interest rates.
The data would add to optimism that price pressures are easing steadily, likely providing the central bank the headroom to shift attention to reviving growth in an economy expanding at its weakest pace in a decade.
The greenback is likely to see more selling pressure in the near term amid better economic data coming out of the European Union at the same time weak data comes out of the U.S. There are now notions the European Central Bank will raise interest rates soon, which would be another bearish blow to the U.S. dollar index and boost for the Euro currency.
FORBES: Comex Gold, Silver Lower Early on Profit Taking, Corrective Pullback
Analysts also said gold is underpinned by ongoing European debt issues, a continuation of central-bank buying after Bank of Korea purchases, plus still-soft U.S. economic data that means continued loose monetary policy and perhaps even more stimulus.
FORBES: Gold Underpinned By Downgrade Worries, Economy, European Debt Issues, Central-Bank Buying
Investors were also focused on the European Central Bank's policy decision due later Thursday as well as Friday's U.S. jobs data for trading cues.
应用推荐