Finance news you need to know today

UNEMPLOYMENT in the eurozone fell to a near eight-year low in February, adding to signs that the 19-member economy is gaining momentum.

HERE are six things making news in business and finance today.

1. SYDNEY — The Australian market looks set to open lower with risk aversion taking hold of equity markets and ahead of the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision. At 0700 AEDT on Tuesday, the share price futures index was down 10 points, or 0.17 per cent, at 5,849.

2. SYDNEY — Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is treading water against its US counterpart ahead of the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision and February balance of trade figures. The local currency was trading at 76.05 US cents at 0700 AEDT on Tuesday, from 76.06 on Monday.

3. BERLIN — Unemployment in the eurozone fell to a near eight-year low in February, adding to signs that growth in the 19-member economy is gaining momentum.

4. BERLIN — Germany’s key manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace in nearly six years in March adding to the optimistic outlook for Europe’s biggest economy.

5. JOHANNESBURG — SP Global Ratings has downgraded South Africa’s sovereign credit rating to BB+ from BBB- grade, saying that the recent firing of the internationally respected finance minister posed a risk fiscal policy.

6. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is donating the first three months of his salary to the National Park Service.