Yesterday the S&P/ASX 200 finished higher by 13 points to 4,797.20. The RBA released the March meeting minutes yesterday.

JP Morgan economist Helen Kevans said that the RBA has suggested that rates will remain at 4%, with a potential increase in May. The minutes also hint the RBA will resume increasing rates to reach 5% base rate by the end of 2010. Read more here.

In the US overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 10,685.98, up by 43 points. The Federal Reserve Bank has confirmed that it will keep rates low for an extended period. The confirmation of low rates helped most components of the Dow finish up for the day. Read more about the rate decision here.

Thomas Hoeing, President of the Fed in Kansas City, continues to be outspoken about this near zero policy. He’s asked the Fed to drop the ‘extended period’ language. However, he’s the only one speaking out against this low rate. Again.

Mr. Hoeing’s statement said “… that continuing to express the expectation of exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rates for an extended period was no longer warranted because it could lead to the buildup of financial imbalances and increase risks to longer-run macroeconomic and financial stability.”

Over in the UK, the FTSE was up by 26 points, ending the day at 5,620.43. The UK market was boosted by news that European finance ministers will help Greece financially if needed. Details are still unclear on how much support would be provided.

The Nikkei was up overnight by 30 points, closing to 10,721.71.

Gold rallied overnight, jumping as much as USD$19 since this time yesterday morning. Some further weakness in the US dollar saw investors return to the metal.

The price of spot gold in Australian dollars is trading at $1,227.50 while in US Dollars it is trading at $1,128.21. The price of silver in Aussie dollars is $19.01 and in US Dollars it is $17.47.

The Aussie dollar versus the US dollar gained overnight to USD$0.9185, and also increased against the Japanese Yen JPY82.97.

Crude Oil was up overnight, closing at USD$81.99.

For the biggest movers on the market yesterday click here…

That’s all I have for you this morning, see you tomorrow.

Shae.