USD
The US dollar managed to squeeze out a few gains after the US flash manufacturing PMI jumped from 51.5 to 53.2 to show a faster pace of expansion compared to the estimated rise to 51.6.
US CB consumer confidence data is due today and a fall from 104.1 to 101.5 is eyed. The Richmond manufacturing index is also due and an improvement from -8 to -5 is expected.
EUR
The euro was able to score gains across the board thanks to stronger than expected PMI readings. Only the French services PMI missed the mark but the rest of the industry reports from Germany and the euro zone beat estimates. German Ifo business climate data is due today and a small uptick is eyed but market watchers could pay closer attention to ECB head Draghi’s testimony.
GBP
The pound struggled to stay afloat as the UK CBI industrial order expectations showed a surprise tumble from -5 to -17 instead of rising to -2. BOE Governor Carney has a testimony lined up today and any hints on monetary policy and Brexit action could spur sterling volatility.
CHF
The franc gave up some ground after SNB head Thomas Jordan reiterated that the currency remains significantly overvalued but said that housing market risks are materializing. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today so risk sentiment could be the main driving force.
JPY
The yen had a mixed performance since it functioned mostly as a counter currency. Japanese data was stronger than expected, easing fears of additional stimulus from the BOJ in their policy meeting next week. There are no reports due from Japan today so risk sentiment could push yen pairs around.
Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)
The comdolls were slightly weaker in recent trading sessions, although the Loonie bounced back after BOC Governor Poloz backpedaled on his stimulus hints. He even hinted that they might stay on put for the next 18 months to assess other economic uncertainties before making adjustments. There are no reports due from the comdoll economies today.
By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way
