The last trading day in the first quarter of 2009 has ended with a bang. The U.S. dollar sold off against most of the major currencies as repatriation flows come to an end. U.S. economic data was weak, but not a game changer and therefore currency investors chose instead to focus on the positive implications of Japan’s stimulus package and the IRS’ new tax break for U.S. car buyers. The currencies that are performing the best against the U.S. dollar are the ones whose central banks are not expected to adopt quantitative easing, namely the Australian New Zealand dollar.

The New Zealand dollar sold off aggressively in late U.S. trading on surprisingly dovish comments from the RBNZ. Having already cut interest rates by 525bp, the central bank is now suggesting that either more rate cuts may be needed or that they could start buying long term bonds.

After Monday’s strong rally in the U.S. dollar, it is not surprising to see a correction.

European equity markets were broadly higher in early morning trade fueling risk appetite in currencies as all the majors with the exception of the yen rebounded against the buck after yesterday massive sell off. The Asian and early European trade was characterized by strong carry flows with yen crosses helping to lift the euro the Aussie and the pound.

German unemployment reached a new high printing at worse than expected increase of 69K versus forecast of 53K and the month’s prior reading of 40K. The news suggests that the collapse of global demand which has seen industrial Orders decline as much as 30% on a year over year basis is finally having a negative impact on the labor market.

Over the past 24 hours, it has become increasingly clear that the bear market rally in currencies and equities is over. U.S. stocks plummeted close to 4 percent sending investors back into the safety of the U.S. dollar and Japanese Yen. Renewed concerns about the U.S. economy was the primary catalyst for the risk aversion but repatriation also added to the upside pressure in the two lowest yielding currencies. With 24 hours to go before the end of the quarter for most U.S. companies and the end of the fiscal year for the Japanese, repatriation has been particularly strong as companies bring money home to window dress their balance sheets. The U.S. dollar strengthened against every major currency except for the Japanese Yen.

One of the biggest event risks this week for the foreign exchange market is the G20 meeting held on April 2nd in London. Unfortunately even before the start of the meeting, it is proving to be a big disappointment

The markets opened the week with a massive liquidation of risk as yen soared across the board with USD/JPY gaining 200+ points before finally finding some support at the 9600 level. News of the possibility of a GM bankruptcy hit the markets hard with Nikkei dropping -390 points for the day. One key concern for investors, aside of from the natural economic fallout of the failed automaker is the impact of a potential GM bankruptcy on major money center banks. The teetering automaker carries $300 Billion worth of debt and it is unclear as to how much of it will need to be written off should GM file for Chapter 11. As a result European banks such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank were sold heavily at the start of Frankfurt trade.