News Around the Globe from last week

• U.K. mortgage approvals unexpectedly fell to a nine-month low in February, adding to signs that credit constraints are impeding the housing market's recovery. Lenders granted 47,094 loans to buy homes vs. St. 48,400. Bloomberg
  
• Inflation accelerated in four German states in March. Consumer prices in North-Rhine Westphalia, Brandenburg, Hesse and Saxony rose 0.8-1.3% in March. Bloomberg
  
• On the earnings front, investors will be focused on APOL Mon morning and then RIMM and MU Wed after the close. The Q1 earnings season kicks off on Mon 4/12 w/AA after the close.
  
• a Bank tax idea is gaining global momentum with US and European regulators moving forward w/a plan to impose levies on their country's banks to create a pool of money that will cover the costs of future bailouts. WSJ
  
• G8 foreign ministers meeting today in Canada; expected to focus on tightening sanctions on Iran