USD

The US dollar tossed and turned after the release of the jobs report, which indicated a weaker than expected headline figure of 173K versus the projected 225K reading. 

Despite that, the jobless rate improved from 5.3% to 5.1% in August while the participation rate held steady. Average hourly earnings ticked up by 0.3% versus the estimated 0.2% gain while the average workweek also showed an increase in hours. US banks are on Labor Day holiday today, which means that stock trading is closed and that the dollar could be in for consolidation.

EUR

The euro was still in a weak spot at the end of the trading week, following ECB Governor Draghi’s announcement that the central bank is open to further easing. Data from the euro zone was weaker than expected since the German factory orders report indicated a 1.4% slide versus the estimated 0.5% drop. Only the euro zone Sentix investor confidence index is due today and a drop from 18.4 to 16.2 is eyed.

GBP

The pound was barely able to take advantage of dollar weakness, as the British currency was still reeling from the bleak PMI readings. There have been no reports out of the UK on Friday while today has the BRC retail sales monitor on tap. Despite that, pound pairs are expected to move carefully ahead of the BOE statement and MPC minutes later on.

CHF

The franc barely took the lead on Friday, as the Swiss CPI simply came in line with expectations. The report showed a 0.2% drop in price levels for August, following the previous 0.6% decline. Swiss foreign currency reserves data is lined up for today and this should give traders an idea of whether or not the SNB is intervening in the currency market to keep the franc weak. 

JPY

The yen continued to advance against its rivals, as risk aversion extended its stay in the financial markets. Average cash earnings came in weaker than expected at 0.6% versus the projected 2.1% increase. Later on, Japan will print its final GDP reading for Q2, current account balance, and Economy Watchers sentiment index. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were still in a weak spot last Friday, despite the rebounds seen in commodity prices that week. Data from Canada was mostly stronger than expected, with the economy adding 17K versus 2K jobs in August. However, the jobless rate ticked up from 6.8% to 7.0% in the same month. Meanwhile, the Ivey PMI improved from 52.9 to 58.0, outpacing the consensus at 53.5. For today, Australia reported a 1.0% increase in ANZ job advertisements, setting the stage for an upbeat jobs report later on. Canadian banks are closed for the holiday 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way