USD

The US dollar had another weak performance after leading jobs indicators missed expectations. 

The ADP report printed a meager 153K gain versus the projected 171K figure and the earlier 215K increase while the jobs component of the ISM non-manufacturing PMI showed a slide. Challenger job cuts rose 42% in December, its fastest rise since September 2015. All eyes and ears are on the NFP today and a 175K rise in hiring is eyed while average hourly earnings could tick up by 0.3%. 

EUR

The euro took advantage of dollar weakness but was no match to yen or comdoll strength. Medium-tier reports from the region were still upbeat but the uncertainties looming ahead of the French and German elections, as well as Italy’s banking troubles, prevented the shared currency from making gains across the board. German factory orders and retail sales data are due today. 

GBP

The pound also advanced against the dollar but failed to hold on to its gains against the rest of its peers even after seeing strong UK data. Services PMI also beat expectations with a rise from 55.2 to 56.2 instead of falling to 54.8. There are no reports due from the UK economy today. 

CHF

The franc was able to chalk up a positive day, as it advanced to the dollar and the European currencies. Swiss CPI came in line with expectations of a 0.1% dip in price levels while today has the SNB foreign currency reserves data due, which might reveal whether or not the central bank is intervening in the currency market. 

JPY

The yen continued to gain ground against its peers as investor jitters can be felt all over the globe. To top it off, the yen is regaining some of its lost profits to the dollar now that traders are doubting that the Fed can stick with its plan of hiking rates thrice this year. Japanese average cash earnings printed a 0.2% uptick as expected. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls had a mixed performance as they consolidated to the yen but racked up some wins to the dollar. Australia’s trade balance beat expectations with a 1.24 billion AUD surplus. Canada is set to print its jobs numbers today and a 5.1K drop in employment is eyed. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way