The following is one explanation of the widening pertaining to the U.S.:
Source: http://www.nasdaq.com/markets/us-economic-calendar.aspx
The USD/JPY rallied to 100.36 immediately upon the data release (100.41 is near-term resistance set in overnight trading). As of 10:15 am EDT, price has yet to break above resistance.
Japan's Nikkei 225 Futures Index (NKD) is attempting to rally this week after a 3080 point drop that began two weeks ago and is trading just below what is now near-term resistance, as shown on the Weekly chart.
Two instruments to watch in the week(s) ahead...
Furthermore, the following data, also released pre-market today, shows an increase in retail sales...it seems the consumer is still spending.
