USD

The US dollar continued to give up ground during the earlier trading sessions but made a bit of a recovery later on.

Data from the US economy was mostly stronger than expected, as the ADP non-farm employment change report indicated a 217K gain versus the projected 191K rise. This sets the tone for a positive NFP release later on, reminding traders that the Fed is on track to hike rates in their December meeting. The ISM non-manufacturing PMI is due next and a drop from 59.1 to 58.1 is eyed.

EUR

The euro made a strong bounce against the dollar but weakened against its other rivals when data from the euro zone came in mixed. The flash CPI readings showed small gains but were lower than expected while the Spanish unemployment change report showed a larger decline in joblessness. The ECB monetary policy statement is lined up next and expectations for additional stimulus are running high.

GBP

The pound suffered more weakness to most of its currency rivals, as the UK construction PMI came in weaker than expected. The reading fell from 58.8 to 55.3 in November, reflecting slower industry expansion. For today, the services PMI is due and a rise from 54.9 to 55.1 is expected but another disappointment might mean more pound weakness. 

CHF

The franc surprisingly made a strong rally to the dollar even though there were no major reports out of Switzerland. There are still no reports due from the Swiss economy today, leaving the franc to take its cue from euro events like the ECB statement. 

JPY

The yen managed to regain a bit of lost ground, as traders probably booked profits off key levels. There have been no major reports out of Japan yesterday and none are due today, leaving risk sentiment in the driver’s seat of price action. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The comdolls continued to rally although signs of exhaustion were seen. Australia’s GDP beat expectations with a 0.9% expansion versus the projected 0.7% growth figure for Q3 while the previous reading was upgraded from 0.2% to 0.3%. Australia’s trade balance is up next and a wider deficit is eyed. Meanwhile, the BOC decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.50% as expected while crude oil inventories in the US rose from 1M to 1.2M barrels.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way