USD

The US dollar gave up ground to the commodity currencies but was able to hold steady against the euro and the yen. 

Medium-tier reports from the US economy turned out stronger than expected, as JOLTS job openings gained while the NFIB Small Business index improved. For today, only the US crude oil inventories data is up for release. 

EUR

The euro edged lower to most of its forex peers when German and French industrial production numbers missed expectations. The former sank by 1.3% while the latter fell 0.3%. There are no reports due from the euro zone today. 

GBP

The pound managed to hold on to some of its gains despite the lack of top-tier data from the UK. Medium-tier reports showed weak results, with the BRC retail sales monitor falling by 0.9% and the goods trade deficit mostly unchanged. UK manufacturing production data is due today and a 0.4% rebound is eyed.  

CHF

The franc continued to retreat against its peers even as the Swiss unemployment rate came in line with expectations at 3.5%. There are no major reports due from the Swiss economy today so consolidation could be seen or the franc could be pushed around by risk sentiment. 

JPY

The yen continued to weaken against its counterparts as traders worried about possible intervention. There were no reports out of Japan yesterday and only the leading indicators figure is due today. Risk sentiment could continue to drive the lower-yielding Japanese currency for the next sessions. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls made a strong rebound in yesterday’s sessions, thanks to a pickup in crude oil. The EIA upgraded their global demand forecasts for this year and the next, acknowledging that the market is starting to calm down. In New Zealand, the RBNZ refrained from making any adjustments for lending conditions, easing rate cut speculations. There are no major reports due from the comdolls for the next few hours. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way