USD

The US dollar had a generally stronger performance throughout the day, especially after US equities kicked off the session with a strong start.

Data from the US economy came in mixed, as import prices showed a smaller than expected 1.2% drop while initial jobless claims were higher than expected. FOMC member Bullard reiterated that it may take longer for the US to achieve its 2% inflation target than initially anticipated. US retail sales, PPI, and consumer sentiment data are up for release today.

EUR

The euro managed to stay resilient against most of its peers even as the minutes of the ECB meeting shed more light on why policymakers expanded their stimulus program. Only the euro zone trade balance is up for release today and a strong figure could mean more gains for the shared currency.

GBP

The pound remained one of the weakest currencies of the bunch when the BOE statement took place. The UK central bank reminded traders that the fall in oil prices has spurred a weaker inflation outlook and that it may take longer for them to decide to increase interest rates. Still, the BOE kept policy unchanged for now.

CHF

The franc was able to hold on to some of its recent wins even though there were no top-tier reports out of Switzerland. There are still no major reports lined up today so the franc could take its cue from the euro and market sentiment.

JPY

The Japanese yen returned some of its wins when risk appetite picked up and commodity prices rebounded. Data from Japan was weaker than expected, with core machinery orders, preliminary machine tool orders, and PPI all falling short of expectations. No reports are due from Japan today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were off to a weak start but managed to recoup their losses or consolidate later on when commodities rebounded. WTI crude oil climbed back above $31/barrel but it remains to be seen whether it can hold its ground or not. In Australia, employment data came in better than expected with a 0.1K drop in hiring versus the projected 11K decline. Earlier today, Australia reported a 1.8% jump in home loans instead of the projected 0.4% drop. No other reports are due from the comdoll economies today. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way