USD

The US dollar was able to recover at the start of the week, thanks to the downturn in commodity prices and the return in risk aversion

There were no major reports out of the US economy, as it seems that market participants are just bracing themselves for a rate hike next week.

EUR

The euro returned some of its recent wins to the dollar as data from the region came in weak. Germany printed a 0.2% increase in industrial production, lower than the projected 0.8% gain, while the Sentix investor confidence index came up short of expectations. Only low-tier reports are due from the euro zone today.

GBP

The pound struggled to hold on to its gains as investors appear to be pricing in more downbeat remarks from the BOE later on this week. There were no reports out of the UK yesterday while today has the Halifax HPI and manufacturing production lined up. Weak data could set the tone for a cautious BOE statement and MPC minutes on Thursday.

CHF

The franc made its way back to the 1.0000 level against the dollar, but this area appears to be holding as support ahead of the SNB decision later this week. The Swiss central bank might announce intervention efforts or at least jawbone the currency since the ECB already ramped up their stimulus plan. The foreign currency reserves showed a bump up from 552B to 563B CHF.

JPY

The yen took advantage of the run in risk aversion to recover against its forex rivals but it was still no match to dollar strength. Traders are waiting on the release of Japan’s current account balance and final GDP reading today, which might show a positive revision from -0.2% to +0.1%. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls got slammed in today’s trading sessions, as WTI crude oil fell below $40/barrel and iron ore fell to record lows. There were no major reports out of the comdoll economies yesterday while today has the Australian NAB business confidence index and Chinese trade balance on tap. Canadian housing starts and building permits data are also due, along with a speech by BOC Governor Poloz.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way