Australian Treasurer Swan says that premature withdrawal of stimulus measures could stall the global recovery. The global recession is still with us and recovery will be sluggish in 2010, he says. Signs are encouraging, but there is a long way to go, he said from London, where he is set to meet with other G20 ministers Friday and Saturday.

AUD/USD is off its highs but trades with a firm tone at the 0. 8400 level. 0.8500 remains a huge stumbling block for the AUD.