USD

The US dollar was off to a weak start for the week, as the existing home sales report turned out to be a disappointment. 

The actual report posted a 5.08 million figure instead of the estimated 5.27 million reading. This was also lower than the previous 5.18 million figure. For today, only the Richmond manufacturing index is due from the US and while this doesn’t normally induce a strong reaction from the dollar, it could leave a lasting impact today. After all, it is the only US release on deck. The reading is slated to dip from 8 to 7 but a strong reading could be positive for the dollar.

EUR

The euro managed to score more gains against the US dollar in yesterday’s trading but it gave way to yen strength. In Portugal, the coalition government was still unable to reach an agreement yet Silva announced that early elections are no longer necessary. There are no major reports due from the euro zone today, as the only release is the consumer confidence report. The figure is expected to post a small improvement from -19 to -18, which could still be positive for the euro.

GBP

The pound was able to end the day higher against the US dollar and euro while struggling to hold on to its recent gains against the yen. There were no reports released from the UK yesterday but the upbeat sentiment from the previous week’s release of monetary policy votes. BBA mortgage approvals are up for release today and a 38.5K figure is expected, which is higher than the previous 36.1K reading. A strong figure could allow the pound to extend its rallies.

CHF

There were no reports released from Switzerland yesterday yet the franc managed to score gains against the dollar, which was sold off because of weak existing home sales. There are no reports again from the Switzerland today, which could mean quiet trading for USD/CHF as there are no major reports from the US.

JPY

The yen continued to benefit from the recently concluded elections in Japan, which showed that Abe and his party was able to secure a landslide victory. There are no reports due from Japan today, which suggests that the yen could be in for quiet trading or could be sensitive to risk sentiment.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

Comdolls were able to benefit from the rise in commodity prices on Monday, as AUD/USD climbed past the .9200 handle while USD/CAD broke below the short-term support. Canada is set to print retail sales data today and small improvements are expected while New Zealand will release its trade balance in the upcoming Asian session. A trade deficit of 102 million NZD is expected to follow the previous 71 million NZD surplus, which might be negative for the Kiwi.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way