USD

 The US dollar gave up ground despite stronger than expected NFP data.

The economy added 242K jobs in February versus the projected 195K increase while the previous reading was upgraded from 151K to 172. However, average hourly earnings fell 0.1% instead of posting the projected 0.2% uptick. There are no major reports due from the US economy today but a couple of Fed officials (Brainard and Fischer) are set to give speeches.

EUR

 The euro took advantage of dollar and yen weakness, even though there were no major reports out of the euro zone. The retail PMI showed a small gain from 48.9 to 50.1, reflecting a return to industry expansion. German factory orders and euro zone Sentix investor confidence data are up for release today and another set of strong figures could spur euro rallies.

GBP

The pound advanced against the dollar and yen but was no match to comdoll strength on Friday. There were no major reports released from the UK then and there are no reports due today, although MPC member Haldane has a testimony lined up.

CHF

The franc had a volatile trading day as it struggled to hold on to its gains against the dollar. There were no reports out of Switzerland then while today has the Swiss foreign currency reserves data on tap, possibly indicating whether or not the SNB has been intervening in the markets.

JPY

 The yen continued to lose ground as risk appetite improved in the markets. Average cash earnings in Japan showed a stronger than expected 0.4% gain versus the projected 0.2% uptick. Today has a speech by BOJ Governor Kuroda lined up.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

 The Canadian dollar posted strong gains at the end of the week, thanks to climbing crude oil prices on falling US rig counts. The Australian dollar was in close second as it found strong support from mostly upbeat reports released earlier in the week. Earlier today, the ANZ job advertisements report showed a 1.2% decline in openings, hinting at weaker prospects down the line.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way