USD

The US dollar continued to advance against its currency counterparts, most notably the yen and the Canadian dollar, even though there were no economic reports released from the US. 

For today, the initial jobless claims report is up for release and it might show a smaller reading of 272K compared to the previous 274K. Also lined up is the pending home sales figure, which might indicate a 0.8% uptick, and the crude oil inventories data.

EUR

The euro managed to recover against its currency rivals when news that Greece might still be able to make its next set of debt payments in June. Data from the euro zone was also slightly stronger than expected, with Germany printing a GfK consumer climate index of 10.2, higher than the previous 10.0 reading and the estimated 10.1 figure. Only the German import prices data is up for release today, which might not have a strong impact on euro action.

GBP

The pound was able to recover off its recent lows, even though there were no major reports out of the UK yesterday. Traders probably booked profits ahead of today’s UK second estimate GDP release, which might show a revision from 0.3% to 0.4% and allow the pound to regain more ground. Also lined up is the preliminary business investment report for the first quarter, which might indicate a 1.2% rebound.

CHF

The franc trimmed its losses in recent trading, despite the downturn in the UBS consumption indicator from 1.34 to 1.25. For today, the Swiss trade balance is up for release and an improvement from 2.52 billion CHF to 2.77 billion CHF is eyed, which might allow the franc to recover.

JPY

The yen gave up more ground to the dollar and some of its forex rivals, as traders took in the latest retail sales disappointment from the country. Retail sales showed a 5.0% annualized gain, lower than the projected 5.3% increase, but still a recovery from the previous 9.7% drop. Note, however, that this is based on post-sales tax hike data.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls suffered another fresh wave of selling in recent sessions, thanks to a slightly downbeat BOC statement and a disappointing read on Australia’s private capital expenditure report for the first quarter. The BOC kept rates unchanged as expected but cited that the Loonie’s appreciation is hurting exports and inflation. Meanwhile, Australia churned out a 4.4% slump in private capital expenditure, worse than the projected 2.3% slide. The Canadian current account balance is up for release later today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way