USD 

The dollar finished the week on a strong note after the FOMC decision earlier on turned out more upbeat than expected.

Data on Friday turned out mixed as the flash manufacturing PMI rose from 52.8 to 53.0 versus the projected 53.0 figure while the flash services PMI fell from 56.0 to 55.1 versus the projected 55.8 figure. There are no major reports due from the US today but FOMC members Kashkari and Evans have testimonies lined up. 

EUR 

The shared currency was able to make a rebound against its higher-yielding peers as risk aversion peeked back in the markets. PMI readings all turned out stronger than expected, which means positive prospects for the overall economy and supports the idea of ECB tapering before the end of the year. ECB head Draghi has another testimony scheduled today and upbeat remarks could push the euro higher. 

GBP 

The pound paused from its recent rallies as UK PM May’s speech failed to impress the bulls. UK CBI industrial order expectations also turned out weaker than expected as the reading fell from 13 to 7 to reflect slower growth instead of holding steady. There are no major reports due from the UK economy today. 

CHF 

The Swiss franc carried on with its mixed run as it mostly reacted to market sentiment and currency-specific factors. There were no major reports out of the Swiss economy on Friday and none are due today so the same market behavior could be seen. 

JPY 

The yen finished the week on a downbeat note as the BOJ’s easing bias weighed on the currency. Earlier today, the flash manufacturing PMI turned out weaker than expected as it rose from 52.2 to 52.6 versus the projected rise to 53.4. BOJ Governor Kuroda has a speech lined up so additional volatility could be in the cards. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The Kiwi is off to a shaky start as the weekend elections in New Zealand failed to generate a majority government for the National Party. This could mean the political limbo could last a bit longer as parties try to negotiate a coalition. New Zealand’s trade balance is also due next while RBA Assistant Governor Bullock has a speech coming up. Meanwhile, oil drew a bit of support on stronger expectations of an output deal extension after the latest OPEC meeting. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way