USD
The US dollar gave up some of its recent gains despite seeing mostly stronger than expected reports.
The ISM manufacturing PMI was up from 51.9 to 53.2 to indicate a faster pace of industry growth, but the jobs component saw a decline. The NFP is the main event for today and an increase of 177K is eyed, higher than the earlier 161K figure. Average hourly earnings could post a 0.2% uptick, slower than the earlier 0.4% increase.
EUR
The euro made a strong bounce against its peers on French President Hollande’s decision to drop out of the race. Data from the euro zone was also mostly stronger than expected, with some final manufacturing PMI readings enjoying upward revisions. Spanish unemployment change and euro zone PPI are lined up today.
GBP
The pound was somewhat weaker on downbeat UK manufacturing PMI results. The reading slid from 54.2 to 53.4 to show slower industry growth instead of rising to the projected 54.4 figure. UK construction PMI is due today and a drop from 52.6 to 52.3 is eyed.
CHF
The franc regained ground to the dollar but still ended lower to the euro and pound. Swiss retail sales and manufacturing PMI both surprised to the upside, with the former showing a smaller than expected 0.5% drop compared to the estimated 2.0% slide and the latter rising from 54.7 to 56.6. Swiss GDP is due today and a 0.3% expansion is eyed.
JPY
The yen carried on with its losing streak, although it managed to advance against the dollar and make some corrections against the commodity currencies. Japan’s final manufacturing PMI saw a slight upgrade but capital spending turned out much weaker than expected. There are no reports due from Japan today so risk sentiment could push yen pairs around.
Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)
The Loonie extended its climb against its rivals, backed by the OPEC output deal to cut production and support prices. Australia posted a stronger than expected 0.5% gain in retail sales versus the projected 0.3% increase. Canada is set to print its jobs report later today and might show a 16.5K drop in hiring.
By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way
