The case for European Central Bank action to curb the euro’s gains is getting stronger after the 18-nation currency jumped to within a half-cent of $1.40. “A print of $1.40 is a psychologically important level which may set off some alarm bells to officials,’’ Neil Jones, the head of hedge-fund sales at Mizuho Bank Ltd. in London, said in a May 2 phone interview. ECB President Mario Draghi stepped up his war of words against the euro’s gains in recent months, culminating in an April 24 pledge to start asset purchases if a stronger currency keeps inflation depressed. While the appreciation may be seen as a referendum ... (full story)