USD

The US dollar had a rough trading day, as the downbeat ISM manufacturing PMI forced the currency to retreat.

The reading slipped from 50.1 to 48.6 in November, its lowest reading since June 2009, instead of rising to the projected 50.6 figure. Up ahead, the ADP non-farm employent change is due and a 191K increase in hiring is eyed. Also lined up today is a testimony by Fed Chairperson Janet Yellen.

EUR

The euro managed to take advantage of dollar weakness and join the risk rallies when data from its top economies turned out strong. German showed a larger than expected decline in joblessness of 13K while Spain and Italy printed stronger than expected manufacturing PMI numbers. Euro zone CPI estimates are due next and positive readings could allow the shared currency to hold on to its gains.

GBP

The pound was mostly flat against the dollar and the yen but was no match to comdoll strength. The UK manufacturing PMI came in below expectations at 52.7 from the previous 55.2 figure. The construction PMI is up for release next and a drop from 58.8 to 58.4 is eyed.

CHF

Data from Switzerland came in below expectations, yet the franc also managed to regain ground to the dollar. Retail sales slipped 0.8% instead of posting the projected 0.4% uptick while the manufacturing PMI fell from 50.7 to 49.7 to indicate industry contraction. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY 

The yen was also significantly weaker in recent sessions due to the run in risk appetite, but it managed to advance against the dollar. There were no major reports out of Japan then and none are due today, which suggests that the currency could stay sensitive to market sentiment.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Aussie and Kiwi were the biggest winners for the day, lifted by upbeat rhetoric from the RBA and the pickup in dairy prices during the latest GDT auction. The Loonie fell behind as Canada’s monthly GDP printed a 0.5% contraction instead of the projected 0.1% uptick in growth. Up ahead, the Australian quarterly GDP is due, followed by the BOC interest rate statement later on.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way