USD
The US dollar was off to a weak start for the week as risk appetite returned on the outcome of the French elections.
Besides, data from the US was mostly weaker than expected on Friday as both flash manufacturing and services PMI printed weaker than expected results. For today, more speeches from dovish FOMC member Kashkhari are lined up.
EUR
The euro popped higher against its peers over the weekend as the first round of French elections left Macron and Le Pen going head to head in the next round in May. This could mean stronger odds of Macron beating Le Pen, thereby reducing odds of a Frexit. Flash manufacturing and services PMI from Germany and France turned out mixed on Friday while the German Ifo business climate index is due today.
GBP
The pound took its lead from the euro and also rallied on the results of the French elections. Apart from that, the UK currency is also riding on the bullish wave after the UK snap elections were announced. Only the Rightmove HPI and CBI industrial order expectations index are due today and strong readings could keep the currency afloat.
CHF
The franc was also able to advance against most of its major counterparts when the French election results were announced but it was no match to pound and euro strength. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy on Friday and none are due today so the currency could keep reacting to country-specific events.
JPY
The Japanese yen gave up a lot of ground over the weekend as risk appetite was off to a strong start this week. Data from Japan came in line with expectations on Friday and none are due today so the currency is extra sensitive to market sentiment.
Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)
The comdolls edged higher to the lower-yielding currencies but were left behind by the euro and pound. Canadian inflation reports came in mostly in line with expectations, except for the headline reading which posted a 0.2% uptick versus the projected 0.4% rise. New Zealand and Australia have bank holidays today.
By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way
