USD

The dollar advanced steadily against its peers as the week drew to a close, as economic data from the US was slightly stronger than expected.

New home sales rose from 563K to 592K versus the projected 575K figure while the UoM consumer sentiment index was upgraded from 98.0 to 98.2. There are no reports due from the US today as banks are closed for the holidays.

EUR

The euro had a mixed performance as it tried to stay afloat against the dollar and the yen but ended up sliding to the pound and commodity currencies. Euro zone data was stronger than expected, as the GfK German consumer climate index improved from 9.8 to 9.9 while French consumer spending saw a stronger than expected 0.4% gain. 

GBP

The pound was mostly stuck in consolidation despite seeing stronger than expected UK economic reports. The current account deficit was smaller than expected at 25.5 billion GBP while the previous reading was upgraded to show a narrower shortfall as well. The final GDP reading was upgraded from 0.5% to 0.6% for Q3. 

CHF

The franc held its ground against most of its peers until the end of the week despite a weaker than expected KOF economic barometer reading. The figure held steady at 102.2 instead of improving to the consensus at 103.1. 

JPY

The yen was still in a weak spot for the most part, although it managed to chalk up some gains against the comdolls. There were no reports out of Japan then while today has household spending and CPI readings due.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were the weakest of the bunch as Canada reported a 0.3% monthly GDP contraction instead of the projected 0.1% uptick. There were no other reports out of New Zealand and Australia but the US-China tensions appear to be dampening confidence in their export industry.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way