USD

The US dollar continued to advance against its forex counterparts at the end of the week, despite the profit-taking activity that occurred towards the end of the month. 

Data from the US economy came in slightly better than expected, as the preliminary GDP reading showed a smaller downgrade to a 0.7% contraction versus the projected -0.8% figure. The Chicago PMI turned out to be a disappointment since it indicated a return to industry contraction but this was offset by the stronger than expected consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan. The core PCE price index is due today, along with data on personal spending and income, as well as the ISM manufacturing PMI.

EUR

The euro managed to hold on to some of its recent gains against its rivals, as market watchers still crossed their fingers that Greece can meet its debt obligations this month. Data from the region was mostly stronger than expected, with Germany printing a higher than expected retail sales figure and Spain showing a better than expected CPI reading. French consumer spending was weaker than expected at 0.1% versus the estimated 0.4% increase though, while the previous report suffered a downward revision. German preliminary CPI and final PMI readings from France and Germany are lined up today.

GBP

The pound made a quick bounce on Friday, even though there were no reports released from the UK economy. Today has the manufacturing PMI on tap and an improvement from 51.9 to 52.7 is eyed, which would reflect a faster pace of expansion in the sector. Weaker than expected data, however, might force the British currency to resume its slide.

CHF

The franc was able to squeeze out some gains on Friday, thanks to a few upbeat reports from Switzerland. The KOF economic barometer came in better than expected, as the reading climbed to 93.1, outpacing the consensus at 90.1. On top of that, the previous reading was upgraded to 89.8. However, the GDP came in below expectations and showed a 0.2% contraction instead of the expected flat reading. For today, the Swiss manufacturing PMI is due and a dip from 47.9 to 47.2 is eyed.

JPY

The yen weakened to its forex rivals on Friday, as Japan printed mixed reports. Inflation showed a bit of improvement, as the national core CPI marked a 0.3% gain versus the projected 0.2% uptick, while the jobless rate fell from 3.4% to 3.3%. However, household spending still fell short with a 1.3% decline versus the projected 3.1% increase. Earlier today, Japan’s final manufacturing PMI was released and it showed no change from the initially reported 50.9 figure.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls continued to sell off against the dollar on Friday, thanks to risk aversion and expectations of further easing from their central banks. Canada printed a weaker than expected monthly GDP reading of -0.2% instead of showing a flat figure while the previous report was downgraded to show a 0.1% contraction. Earlier today, Australia reported a 4.4% drop in building approvals, worse than the projected 1.7% slide.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way