The British currency continued to suffer from its central bank monetary policies as interest rates remained unchanged in the country, suggesting that the recession will remain a reality in England for an extended period.

The Canadian currency declined today versus most of the 16 main traded currencies after stocks and commodities had their rallies halted as risk appetite eased among traders globally, forcing commodity linked currencies down.

A report published today indicating fewer-than-expected new jobless claims applications last week allowed the dollar to gain versus the euro and several other currencies as improving employment data is a key-evidence indicating the U.S. economic recovery expected for 2010.

The Australian currency touched the highest level in 2 years versus the euro as commodities rates are fueling the Aussie’s rally, which also gained considerably versus the greenback during today’s session.

After December’s Fed meeting minutes went public today, the U.S. dollar declined versus multiple currencies, as policy makers discussed extending economic stimulus to revive the economy if necessary, impacting negatively the greenback’s outlook.

The Canadian dollar continued to advance today versus its U.S. counterpart as demand for commodities are still on the rise, favoring the loonie which is one of the currencies with the highest correlation with commodities charts, specially the crude oil, one of Canada’s chief exports.

The yen declined today versus virtually all of the 16 main traded currencies as investors opted for higher-yielding currencies betting on the global economic recovery for 2010, abandoning yen priced assets after Japan’s Finance Minister Hirohisa Fujii resigned today.

The Mexican peso is benefiting from the U.S. economic outlook for 2010, as Mexico has the U.S. as the main destination for its exports, both raw and manufactured, and an accelerated growth of its neighbor is helping Mexico’s currency to gain in foreign-exchange markets.

The Romanian leu rallied today versus the euro and the U.S. dollar as interest rates were unexpectedly cut in the country after a political crisis that delayed an IMF bailout finally ended, adding confidence that stability in the parliament will lead the nation towards a faster recovery.

The pound lost versus several key-currencies today and specially versus its regional rival, the euro, as traders speculate that U.K.’s financial authorities will insist in quantitative easing measures to stimulate the British economy, affecting the sterling outlook in currency markets.