The region is one of the few places where it's possible to get a glimpse of real Americana, from drive-in movie theatres to cowboy rodeos.

In Kissimee, the cowboy and rodeo tradition dates back all the way to the 1500s, and can be enjoyed at the local Silver Spurs Rodeo.

This February, Silver Spurs is hosting a special charity rodeo in aid of cancer patients called Tough Enough To Wear Pink.

Rodeo riders will wear pink to show their support of breast cancer patients and club volunteers will donate their hair – in front of a watching rodeo audience – towards making wigs for cancer sufferers.

While wearing pink, these resilient cowboys will provide entertainment in the form of bull riding, steer wrestling and bareback riding.

If all that rodeo action makes you want to get into a saddle, Florida also boasts plenty of wide, open spaces to try your hand at horse riding and get back to nature.

For a less energetic but no less authentic pursuit, be sure to spend an evening at the Silver Moon drive-in.

It is just as popular with cinema lovers now as when it first opened in the 1940s.

Posted by Huw Jenkins

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The euro spent the week in the same limbo that had kept it steady during the previous two. The negotiations about the reschedule of Greece’s government debt neither failed not succeeded. On Thursday three successive statements from Greek officials said a result was “hours away”, then that it would come “this week” and then “next week”. They are clearly reluctant to walk away but there is equally obviously a good deal of foot-dragging and stone-walling going on.

But the talks have not failed so investors remain optimistic that a deal will be done. There is also hope that Chancellor Merkel’s visit to China might bear fruit. Ostensibly the purpose of her visit is to discuss Chinese exchange rate  policy and the embargo of Iranian oil exports and to persuade the authorities in Beijing that the Euroland debt crisis is under control. There can be little doubt, however, that the chancellor will have leaned on Premier Wen Jiabao to divert some of the country’s $3 trillion savings towards the growing number of funds (European Financial Stability Facility, European Stability Fund, International Monetary Fund) which are trying to prop up Italian and Spanish bonds. And Wen Jiabao appears to have hoisted in her message. In a joint press conference with the German Chancellor on Thursday he said China was “investigating and evaluating concrete ways in which it can, via the IMF, get more deeply involved in solving the European debt problem”. If that investigation and evaluation were to come up with a way for China to buy Italian bonds it would be a game-changer.

Investors paid considerably more attention to developments in Greece than they did to the euro zone economic data. Euroland unemployment at a record high of 10.4% was not a problem and falling factory gate prices rang no alarm bells.

The UK economy kept a low profile. Consumer confidence improved by four points to a still-negative -29. The monthly number of mortgage approvals was stuck at a low 53k. Nationwide’s house price index rose by 0.6% in the year to January. The purchasing managers’ index showed a return to growth for the manufacturing sector. It was all run-of-the-mill stuff, neither damaging nor particularly helpful to the pound.

So it looks as though the euro will slide into another weekend with no solution for Greek debt and no appetite among investors to get involved. If Mrs Merkel returns triumphant from Beijing with a commitment from the Chinese to beef up the IMF’s fighting fund the euro could open more strongly on Monday. Without some sort of breakthrough, however, there could be more of the same next week.

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Headlines:

• Sterling supported near 10 week high against dollar
• Euro set for weekly drop against majors on Greek debt concern
• US unemployment sees glimmer of hope
• Aussie, Kiwi slide on Greek debt woes

US Dollar:

Today traders can expect significant volatility in the marketplace as the US Non-Farm Employment Change figure is set to be released. Wednesday’s ADP Non-Farm figure, which is widely considered an accurate predictor of today’s news, came in below expectations and resulted in some bearish movement for the US dollar. At the moment, analysts are predicting that the US added 150K jobs in January. Should the final figure come in significantly below that number, the greenback may extend its losses. At the same time, traders will want to note that the employment statistic is notoriously difficult to predict. A better than expected figure is entirely possible, and could result in dollar gains ahead of markets closing for the weekend.

Pound:

Sterling hovered near a two-and-a-half month high versus the dollar yesterday, supported by a cautiously optimistic outlook for riskier currencies and data from the UK which pointed at growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Dealers, however, said persistent worries over the UK economy and the likelihood that the Bank of England will announce an increase in its asset purchase programme next week were likely to keep the pound in check, with data from the dominant service sector awaited today. The pound was trading flat for the day at $1.5834 after rising to $1.5884 on Wednesday, its highest since Nov. 18. A poll yesterday showed sterling cruising at current levels against the battered euro despite growing optimism about the British economy’s ability to outperform a euro zone still gripped by the sovereign debt crisis.

Euro:

The euro headed for a weekly decline against all of its 16 major peers as Greece and its creditors struggle to reach an agreement on a debt swap. The euro was little changed at $1.3140 this morning from $1.3144 in New York yesterday, set for a 0.5 percent weekly decline. Greece and its creditors are locked in talks over a debt- swap deal for the nation. In discussions late last week in Athens, bondholders lowered their demands for an average coupon on the new debt they would get after European officials demanded they take steeper losses. Finance ministers from the four euro-area countries with AAA grades from all three major ratings companies — Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands — will meet in Berlin today, a German Finance Ministry spokesman, said yesterday. The ministers will discuss current issues without briefing reporters after the meeting, according to the spokesman, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

General:

The Australian and New Zealand dollars weakened on signs Greece’s government is struggling to reach an accord with its creditors on a debt swap, damping demand for higher-yielding assets. The so-called Aussie slid after reaching a five-month high yesterday as a gauge showed non-manufacturing industries in China, Australia’s largest trading partner, expanded at a slower pace last month. New Zealand’s currency, nicknamed the kiwi, fell versus all of its major peers as Asian stocks dropped.

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This week has seen sterling trend in favour against the euro due to a lack of resolution surrounding the ongoing euro zone issues. UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index [PMI] came in worse than expected dampening the positive outlook on the UK economy following the release of Wednesdays better than expected manufacturing data. Out today Services PMI with give further reflection on the stability of the economy in the UK and provide insight to the potential risk of a double dip recession. Call in now for the latest update and the latest news.

The EU Economic Summit and Greece’s struggle to seal a debt agreement with private investors has dominated the headlines this week. Rumours suggest that a deal should be completed before the weekend; however, the chairman of euro zone finance ministers, said talks on the bond swap were “ultra-difficult.” The Greek government still needs to reach a deal and secure a second European Union-led bailout by March 20 to avoid defaulting on its debt and the euro zone finance ministers will hold a meeting on Monday in an attempt to wrap up the package. Progress has been made on an EU ‘Fiscal Compact’ insisting on stricter budget discipline; however, the UK and Czech Republic have refused to sign up. EU leaders also agreed to create a €500 billion European Stability Mechanism which is to come into force in July this year much earlier than expected; however, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation Development has stated that around EUR 1 trillion would be needed. Germany is now demanding oversight of Greece’s finance and without it is refusing to provide more funding for the Greek bailout package; however, on a more positive note the Chinese Prime Minister has raised hopes in the region stating that Beijing was considering greater involvement in the euro zone’s rescue funds. Call in now for the latest update and the latest news.

The US dollar was treated to a mixed bag of unemployment data released in the US over the last couple of days and awaits the release of the Non-farm employment change and Unemployment rate out later today. The Federal Reserve Chairman spoke yesterday reiterating that the US Recovery been slow and that there is a long way to go before job market returns to normal. He also noted that the Global economy “appears to be slowing” and that events in Europe may harm U.S. economy. Strong manufacturing PMI data released across Europe, UK and China drove risk appetite for the later part of the weak devaluing the dollar. Call in now for the latest update and the latest news.

Elsewhere, the Swiss franc encroached on the €1.20/Chf1 peg this week and the Swiss National Bank interim president did not hesitate to state that he is ready to buy currency in unlimited quantities to defend the peg. Further speculation regarding central bank intervention was rife as rumours suggested that the Bank of Japan could look to devalue the yen and the Finance Minister said that the government is “calmly watching market moves very closely” and pledged to “respond by taking firm measures.” Out today, Canadian Employment change and Unemployment rate data is released. Call in now for the latest update and the latest news.

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The east African country is currently proving particularly popular with people looking to take a gap year, or simply going in search of adventure.

Ghana has a great mix of landscapes to explore, from the beautiful beaches of the coastline to its lust forest interior

Nature lovers can enjoy a trip to Mole National Park.

It is home to almost 100 species of mammal, including the majestic African elephant.

For a more urban experience, check out the vibrant city of Accra for shopping, clubbing and fine dining.

Sun-worshippers are best off heading to Busua & Dixcove, which boast some of the country's loveliest beaches.

For history buffs, the eerie colonial forts at Cape Coast and Elmina are a fascinating but sobering reminder of the country's part in the slave trade.

It is important to remember that a trip to Ghana is not just an opportunity to relax, but also to get involved in volunteer experiences.

Companies such as Madventurer.com offer travellers of all ages the chance to get involved in Ghanaian building projects, sports coaching and teaching in local schools.

Posted by Huw Jenkins

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New austerity, 3^rd bailout and PSI to be decided by Monday

The “Story That Never Dies” may have a date with the executioner. It was announced yesterday that a meeting this upcoming Monday (Feb 6^th) is the new deadline for the parties to agree on all things Greek. Firstly, the size of the haircut that private investors must take on their holdings alongside what the ECB will do with its holdings. Secondly, the size of another bailout, which is rumoured to be around the EUR130bn mark and finally, further austerity measures from the Greek government. Surely, there must be a circle of hell somewhere down there where punishment is purely talking about the Greek situation and the false hope of these meetings.

Needless to say we are not expectant of a resolution on Monday; they can barely agree one matter in one day, let alone three in one day.

Announcements that we will also file on the shelf that reads “I’ll believe it when I see it” was chatter out of China yesterday. Chancellor Merkel is currently in China trying to solicit some money from her hosts to help with the Eurozone crisis and Premier Wen yesterday stated that China is considering increasing its contribution to the two European bailout funds. We haven’t had the “China as saviour” rumour  for a while so it was good of it to check in but we believe this is as far as it will go in the short term. Considering increasing your contribution and actually doing it are 2 very different things and we believe the Chinese do not consider the situation warrants an investment yet.

Euro rallied on both announcements but has not been able to break out of the ranges that it finds itself in. It’s unlikely to as well, pre-Non Farm Payrolls this afternoon.

The key figures this morning will be the services numbers from Europe and the UK. The US’s figure is this afternoon. We are below consensus in our estimate for UK services PMI (52.8 vs 53.3) as we believe the drop off in consumer spending between December and now has been slightly more than most expect. This should see cable come off its recent highs while GBPEUR may drift back towards the 1.20 figure. A positive beat could see GBPUSD push 1.59 although moves will be slight before the US jobs measure.

Payrolls are due at 13.30 and 140k is the expected figure with the unemployment rate forecast to remain at 8.5%. We think that we see a figure slightly below 140k and both GBPUSD and EURUSD will finish the day lower than where they are currently trading.

Have a great weekend

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However, the Filipino island of Siquijor, known to be home to a mysterious population of mangkukulam (healers), is magical in more ways than one.

Many other residents of the Philippines associate the island with sorcery and voodoo, and during Holy Week in April visitors can witness the healers partake in the spectacular Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation.

However, there is much more to Siquijor than its enchanted history.

It is also home to some spectacular snorkelling, an unspoilt jungle interior and beautiful accommodation.

One of the best places to stay is the Coco Grove Resort.

Not only does the hotel boast beach-side hammocks, fresh fruit breakfasts and swim up bars, it also has its own marine sanctuary.

Just a few hundred yards from the white sand beach, it's possible to lose yourself observing the shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish.

For travellers who would rather stay on land, renting a motorbike or scooter is a great way to explore the island.

Find hidden waterfalls, visit the local markets or simply enjoy the lush green views of jungles and rice paddies.

Posted by Huw Jenkins

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However, in Palau, visitors can enjoy a soak in the warm waters of Jelly Fish Lake, whose inhabitants are completely harmless.

Because these creatures evolved without large predators, they don't sting swimmers.

Of course, Jelly Fish Lake isn't the only reason to visit Palau.

The Micronesian archipelago consists of almost 600 islands, and is one of the most sought-after dive and snorkel destinations in the world.

In March, the Micronesian Shark Foundation will host its tenth annual Shark Week.

This is the time of the year when hundreds of reef sharks migrate to Palau for mating season, and divers will have a chance to swim with them at world-class diving sites Blue Corner and Shark City.

During June, Palau will host its annual Wrexpedition, when divers can explore spellbinding shipwreck sites dating back to World War II.

All year round, visitors to the archipelago can enjoy a trip to the legendary Rock Islands.

Natural erosion has shaped these limestone masses into unique mushroom shapes, perfect for exploring by kayak.

Posted by Emmanuel Addy

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Headlines:

• Pound continues to gain versus dollar as risk appetite spreads
• Better than expected UK data helps sterling gain against euro
• Global stocks rally to send lower yielding currneices lower
• Euro benefits on risk appetite rise and speculation Greek debt deal is close

US Dollar:

The dollar weakened against most of its 16 major counterparts as Asian stocks extended a global rally ahead of U.S. data that may show an improving job market, curbing demand for refuge assets. Risk appetite is fairly positive at the moment, and this could continue for a couple of weeks as typical safe-haven currencies have taken a step back now. The dollar dropped to the $1.32 handle per euro. Applications for unemployment payments in the U.S. probably fell to 371,000 in the week ended Jan. 28 from 377,000 the previous week, according to the median estimate of economists in a Bloomberg News survey. The Labor Department will release the figures today. 

Pound:

Sterling continued its rally against the dollar yesterday as cable hit a two and a half month high with $1.5881 being printed in the afternoon session. Risk appetite has been the major factor as global stocks rallied on speculation the Greek PSI issue was close to being sorted out. Players pulled their funds out of the lower yielding currencies such as the dollar and pursued higher yielding assets including sterling. Despite the news that a deal may be imminent on the Greek debt story, the euro’s performance against the pound was pretty flat. If anything, sterling even gained on its battered euro cousin as we saw GBP/EUR rally above the 1.2050 level. Better than expected PMI manufacturing data was published in the UK, coming in at 52.1 from an expected 50.1, higher than last months 49.7. This was welcome news to the UK economy and sterling.

Euro:

The euro rose against the dollar for the first time in three days as a purchasing managers’ index of manufacturing output in the region beat analysts’ estimates, adding to signs Europe’s economy is stabilizing. Markets are pricing in a more constructive outlook for global growth in 2012, so that’s the main factor behind dollar weakness and stronger risk appetite which has helped the single unit. Against the dollar we saw the 17-nation currency climb to the $1.32 level. The euro rose 0.5 percent to 100.29 yen but dipped versus the pound. The euro reversed an earlier decline after Markit Economics said its manufacturing gauge based on a survey of purchasing managers in the euro region rose to 48.8 in January from 46.9 in December. That compares to a median estimate of 48.7 in a Bloomberg survey of economists. In Germany the output gauge reached the highest in six months. The euro appreciated 1 percent against the dollar last month as Italian and Spanish bonds outperformed their German counterparts amid speculation policy makers are bringing the region’s debt crisis under control. European economic confidence increased in January and German unemployment dropped more than economists estimated from the previous month. The euro’s appreciation may be short lived if it fails to break through the $1.3244-$1.3290 resistance zone. The currency may be poised to resume its bear trend and weaken to $1.25 area.

General:

The Japanese officials hit the wires speaking on the Yen’s ongoing strength, with the BOJ Governor Shirakawa saying that the Yen rises are due to investors flight to safe assets on the back of increased global uncertainty, adding that the JPY and CHF have been favoured since the Lehman crisis due to the relative strength of the Japanese and Swiss financial systems. Fin Min Azumi also highlighted that Yen buying has strengthened in the short term due to the expectations for low US interest rates until late 2014. In further comments Azumi said that he wants the BOJ to take bold steps in a timely manner, although states that he wants the central bank to take into account the economic conditions in deciding policy. Finally Japan’s Econ Min Furukawa said that the BOJ should take every possible step to overcome deflation, as well as make efforts to keep real interest rates low.

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It may not be spring yet, but a trip to Rome with your loved one is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Arguably Italy's most romantic city, there are more than enough fine restaurants, quaint cafes and beautiful walks to keep couples entertained.

For fantastic views, take a stroll along the top of the Spanish steps above Piazza del Popolo, where you can sit and look over Rome's rooftops.

To linger over a long lunch, head to the pretty corner cafes around Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori.

Finish it off with a trip to the city's loveliest chocolate shop, La Bottega del Cioccolata in Rione Monti, which sells mouth-watering morsels.

Be sure to take your loved one to see the luminous Trevi Fountain, which is even more beautiful in the evening light.

If you decide to throw in a coin for good luck, turn your back to the fountain and toss it from your left hand over your right shoulder.

Legend has it that doing so will guarantee you a return to Rome, which seems very lucky indeed.

Posted by Emmanuel Addy

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