ForexLive North American wrap: Beige Book can't stifle optimism

Beige book: Economy slowing Bernanke says Europe "not close" to solution US housing starts 760K vs 745K exp BOC forecasts gradual hikes through 2014 Swiss economy min endorses EUR/CHF peg IMF tellin' the ECB what to do Advisory firm says Japan ready to act on USD/JPY Goldman sees Fed extending guidance Central bankers will meet on Libor on Sept. 9 AUD/USD hits highest since early May Oil touches $90 for first time since May AUD leads, euro lags S&P 500 gains 0.67% to 1373 A hearty salute to Sean Lee, who is leaving ForexLive.