USD

The dollar gained a bit of support even with a couple of weaker than expected medium-tier data.

Final wholesale inventories ticked 0.2% higher instead of falling by 0.1% in March while the IBD/TIPP economic optimism index ticked lower on a weaker six-month outlook. A bit of risk aversion stemming from geopolitical conflict with North Korea kept the safe-haven currency supported. There are no major reports lined up today so political headlines could influence dollar movement.

EUR

The euro extended its gains against most of its peers even with mixed data from the region. German industrial production fell 0.4% versus the projected 0.6% dip while the trade surplus narrowed from 21.2 billion EUR to 19.6 billion EUR. Italian retail sales was flat instead of posting the estimated 0.2% uptick. ECB head Draghi has a speech today and Italian and French industrial production numbers are due.

GBP

The pound was one of the biggest winners in recent trading sessions as traders appear to be pricing in an upbeat BOE announcement on Thursday. There were no major reports out of the UK recently, but last week’s set indicated resilience among the business sectors since PMI turned out stronger than expected.

CHF

The franc gave up some ground to its peers but managed to hold steady against the commodity currencies. The Swiss jobless rate was unchanged at 3.3% instead of improving to the projected 3.2% figure. There are no major reports due from Switzerland today.

JPY

The yen was the biggest loser in the past sessions as the threats from North Korea weighed heavily on sentiment in the Asian region. According to the country’s ambassador to the UK, they are gearing up for another nuclear test and that they are prepared to attack the US if necessary. Japan’s leading indicators is due next and an improvement is eyed.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were stuck mostly in consolidation as traders are waiting for the next catalysts. The API reported its largest draw in stockpiles this year, lending some support for CAD. Chinese CPI was better than expected at 1.2% but PPI fell short of estimates at 6.4% versus 6.8%. EIA crude oil inventories and the RBNZ statement are due next. No actual rate changes are eyed from the RBNZ.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way