USD

The dollar got a boost from upbeat leading jobs indicators, namely the ADP employment change and ISM manufacturing PMI.

The former climbed from 174K to 253K, outpacing the consensus at 181K, while the latter ticked up from 54.9 to 54.9 instead of dipping to the consensus at 54.7. Underlying component showed a rise in hiring activity and a decline in prices. The NFP report is due next, and this is expected to show a 181K reading and no change in the jobless rate at 4.4%.

EUR

The euro was able to hold on to most of its gains even with mixed data from the region. French and Italian manufacturing PMI came in weaker than expected while the Spanish manufacturing PMI beat expectations. The region’s PPI and the Spanish unemployment change report are lined up today.

GBP

The pound struggled to stay afloat as more polls indicated a narrowing lead for PM May’s Conservative Party, keeping political uncertainty in play. The UK manufacturing PMI is down from 57.3 to 56.7 versus the projected drop to 56.5. The construction PMI is up for release next and a drop from 53.1 to 52.7 is expected.

CHF

The franc had a mixed performance as it reacted mostly to currency-specific events. The Swiss manufacturing PMI is down from 56.2 to 55.1 to reflect a slower pace of industry growth compared to the projected 56.1 figure. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY

The yen also had a mixed performance as it was sensitive to market sentiment and currency-specific events. Data from Japan was stronger than expected, with capital spending up 4.5% versus 3.9% in Q1 and the final manufacturing PMI upgraded from 52.0 to 53.1. The Japanese consumer confidence index is due next and a rise from 43.2 to 43.6 is expected.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls gave up ground to the dollar and euro but managed to hold steady against the pound. Crude oil steadied as the EIA report showed a draw of 6.4 million barrels in stockpiles versus the projected decline of 2.7 million barrels. The Canadian trade balance is due next and flat reading is eyed.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way