USD

The US dollar returned some of its recent wins as traders continue to price in downbeat expectations for the upcoming NFP release. 

Data from the US was also mostly weaker than expected, with the trade balance falling short of consensus at a deficit of 51.4 billion USD instead of the estimated 41.2 billion USD shortfall. The final services PMI was also subpar at 57.4 versus the initially reported 57.8 reading while the ISM non-manufacturing PMI indicated a climb from 56.5 to 57.8. For today, the APD non-farm employment change report is due and a 192K reading is expected. Yellen is also set to give a testimony today and possibly spark volatility among dollar pairs.

EUR

The euro managed to resume its climb against its forex counterparts when Spain reported a stronger than expected jobs figure. The economy added 118.9K jobs during the period, better than the projected 64.8K drop in joblessness. Spanish and Italian services PMI data are up for release today, along with the final services PMI readings from France and Germany. Euro zone retail sales data is also up for release and a 0.4% dip is eyed.

GBP

The pound bounced back in recent trading even when the UK construction PMI missed expectations. The reading fell from 57.8 to 54.2 in April, reflecting a slower expansion in the industry. Today the services PMI is due and a dip from 58.9 to 58.6 is expected, with a weaker than expected figure likely to spark more pound losses.

CHF

The franc resumed its rallies in recent trading sessions, despite the lack of data from Switzerland. It seems that the Swiss currency simply took its cue from the euro, which was able to regain ground yesterday. Today could be the same story as there are no reports due from Switzerland while the euro zone has a bunch of potential market movers lined up.

JPY

The yen tossed around in recent trading as Japanese traders were still out for the holiday yesterday. Japanese banks are still closed today, which could mean limited movement in the Asian trading session and the lack of a general direction for the Japanese yen, unless risk sentiment takes control of price action.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Aussie and Kiwi suffered another round of selling when economic data came in weak. New Zealand reported a 0.7% quarterly increase in hiring, lower than the projected 0.8% gain and the previous 1.2% rise. In Australia, retail sales was weaker than expected at a 0.3% increase versus the estimated 0.4% gain and the previous 0.7% uptick. Canadian Ivey PMI is up for release later on and a climb from 47.9 to 50.1 is expected.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way