ANSA news agency reports on the matter
Although vaccine optimism is providing hope for a better outlook in the euro area going into the summer, the current conditions still call for caution as the virus situation is still rather tense; although it has been improving in recent weeks.

Bild reports on the matter
The report says that German chancellor, Angela Merkel, is seeking a four-stage plan to loosen restrictions though she did not disclose the details in a CDU party meeting today. Adding that a working-level group is expected to work out said details tomorrow.

Non-stop rally in bitcoin continues
We’re at the point of the bitcoin rally where distant relatives call me up and ask if they should buy it. That’s a sign that we’re at least in the middle-innings of this rally. When they’re calling me up and telling me to buy it that’s the time to sell.

Forex news for North American trading
on February 19, 2021
The USD was the weakest currency at the close of yesterday and it continued the move to the downside today. Although it was not the weakest of the majors (the CHF was the weakest), it fell vs all the majors with the exception of the CHF.  The biggest declines

NASDAQ index and Dow industrial average close marginally higher. Russell index surges
a snapshot of the final numbers shows:

Fed Powell testifies. RBNZ rate decision
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Pres. Biden speaking in Michigan

Weekly forex futures positioning data from the CFTC for the week ending Tuesday, February 16, 2021
– EUR long 140K vs 140K long last week. Unchanged
– GBP long 22K vs 21K long last week. Longs increased by 1K

Latest data released by CBI – 19 February 2021
The CBI readings are a survey on manufacturers to rate the level of volume for orders expected during the next 3 months.

Bloomberg reports on the matter
The report says that China is conducting a review of its rare earth policy and looking into possibly banning the export of rare earth technology to countries or companies it deems as a threat to state security, citing a person familiar with the matter.