USD

The US dollar was slightly higher against its peers, as traders flocked back to the US currency when Japanese officials began jawboning again. US labor market conditions index improved from -2.1 to -0.9. US JOLTS job openings and wholesale inventories are up for release today.

EUR

The euro managed to hold its ground against most of its peers, even advancing to the US dollar. Data from the euro zone came in mostly stronger than expected, as the German factory orders rose 1.9% versus the projected 0.7% increase while the Sentix investor confidence index improved from 5.7 to 6.2, outpacing the estimate at 6.1. German and French industrial production numbers are up for release today. 

GBP

The pound was slightly weaker against its counterparts as traders started pricing in expectations for this week’s BOE statement. No actual policy changes are expected but officials might sound more dovish than usual, given the recent disappointments in UK PMI data. UK Halifax HPI posted a 0.8% drop in house prices versus the projected 0.1% uptick. There are no major reports lined up from the UK economy today. 

CHF

The franc was able to score some gains after the Swiss CPI beat expectations with a 0.3% gain versus the projected 0.2% uptick. The Swiss unemployment rate is due today and no change from the 3.5% figure is eyed. 

JPY

The yen gave up ground to its rivals when Finance Minister Aso repeated his intervention threats, citing that they will not hesitate to act if the yen rallies too sharply. Average cash earnings rose 1.4% in Japan, higher than the projected 0.6% gain. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were generally weaker as traders reacted to the 10.9% slump in Chinese imports, which prompted talks of easing from the RBA and RBNZ. NZ Finance Minister English suggested that the RBNZ might implement macro-prudential measures to cool housing inflation, possibly setting the stage for a rate cut next month. Chinese CPI came in line with expectations at 2.3% while the PPI was better than expected at -3.4% versus -3.8%. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way