USD

The US dollar had a mixed performance, although it was generally weaker against most of its peers with traders lightening up on their long positions ahead of the FOMC statement later on.

No reports were released from the US yesterday while today has the Empire State manufacturing index lined up. A climb from -10.7 to -5.7 is eyed, but a drop could spur more dollar weakness. Also due are the CPI readings for November.

EUR

The euro continued to move sideways against the lower-yielding currencies but gave up ground to the commodity currencies. Data from the euro zone was stronger than expected, with industrial production up by 0.6% versus the projected 0.3% gain. ZEW economic sentiment figures are lined up for today, with the German reading expected to rise from 10.4 to 15.2.

GBP

The pound was in a weak spot against its peers, as traders are pricing in expectations for a downbeat jobs report on Wednesday. The UK Rightmove HPI indicated a 1.1% fall in prices, following the previous 1.3% slump. UK CPI is due today and a 0.1% increase in the headline figure is expected. 

CHF

The franc continued to advance against the dollar, even though there were no major reports out of the Swiss economy. Today has the PPI on tap and a 0.1% uptick in producer prices is eyed. 

JPY

The yen gave up some of its recent gains when the Tankan survey results beat expectations and brought risk appetite back to the table. The manufacturing component held steady at 12 instead of falling to 11 while the non-manufacturing component also held steady at 25. There are no reports due from Japan today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were off to a strong start as commodity prices bounced back at the start of the week. There were no reports out of the comdoll economies while today has the RBA minutes on tap. Also coming up is Canada’s manufacturing sales data and New Zealand’s dairy auction.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way