USD

The US dollar continued to edge lower to most of its major counterparts as more and more traders have been booking profits off their long positions at the end of the month and quarter. 

Data from the US has been weaker than expected, with both the headline and core durable goods orders figures falling short of expectations. Headline durable goods orders slipped by 1.4% while core durable goods orders fell by 0.4%. Initial jobless claims and the flash services PMI is up for release today and another round of weak figures might lead to more dollar selling.

EUR

The euro advanced to most of its currency counterparts after Germany printed better than expected economic data. The Ifo business climate reading improved from 106.8 to 107.9, outpacing the consensus at 107.4 and reflecting a strong pickup in optimism. For today, the GfK consumer climate report is due and it might show a rise from 9.7 to 9.8, with another stronger than expected reading likely to spur more gains for the euro.

GBP

The pound was still in a weak spot against most of its counterparts, even though there were no major reports released from the UK yesterday. Today has the retail sales report on tap and this should show whether the downturn in price levels has translated to better spending. Headline retail sales could post a 0.4% rebound from the previous 0.3% decline while CBI realized sales could improve from 1 to 16.

CHF

The franc continued to rally against the dollar and its other peers, as the Swiss UBS consumption indicator improved from 1.11 to 1.19. No reports are lined up from Switzerland today, suggesting that the franc could take its cue from euro movements or risk sentiment.

JPY

The yen advanced to the dollar and its other counterparts as risk appetite seemed to weaken in recent trading. There have been no reports released from Japan then and none are due today, leaving traders to sit on their hands ahead of Friday’s data dump from the country.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls advanced to the dollar and most of its major rivals, despite the slight downturn in risk appetite recently. There are no major reports due from the comdolls today, although BOC Governor Poloz is scheduled to give a speech during the New York trading session and possibly drive Loonie price action.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way