USD

The US dollar was directionless in recent trading sessions, as mixed reports and the looming release of the FOMC minutes prevented traders from taking on large positions. 

US headline CPI showed a 0.2% gain as expected while the core version of the report also printed a 0.2% increase. Industrial production dropped by 0.2% in October against expectations of a 0.1% rise while capacity utilization eased to 77.5%. Dollar pairs could be in for consolidation ahead of the FOMC minutes and additional volatility is expected during its actual release.

EUR

The euro slid lower against its peers once more, as news reports revealed that another potential terror attack in Germany was foiled. Police are saying that a van full of explosives was found outside a soccer stadium where a match between Germany and Netherlands was to be held. The event was cancelled, keeping traders on edge with all the uncertainty in the region. Data from the euro zone was mixed, as the German ZEW index rose from 1.9 to 10.4 while the region’s index fell from 30.1 to 28.3.

GBP

The pound managed to outperform its rivals when CPI readings came in line with expectations. The October CPI reading showed a 0.1% drop as expected but the core CPI climbed to 1.1% instead of holding steady at 1.0%. There are no reports due from the UK economy today.

CHF

The franc moved up to its highs following the SNB’s decision to scrap the franc peg earlier this year. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy but the rising likelihood of further ECB easing put traders on intervention watch. Swiss ZEW economic expectations data is due today and an improvement from the previous 18.3 reading could allow the currency to stay afloat.

JPY

The yen managed to score some gains against its rivals as risk aversion extended its stay, but traders appear hesitant to buy the Japanese currency due to the country’s recession and the upcoming BOJ statement. There were no reports out of Japan yesterday and none are due today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Aussie drew support from the RBA minutes, which confirmed that the central bank is less dovish these days. Meanwhile the Loonie was able to stay supported by rising oil prices, as traders price in a drop in production and supply due to the tension in Syria. On the other hand, the Kiwi was in a weak spot after the GDT auction showed a 7.9% fall in dairy prices, signaling that the industry slowdown isn’t over. Australian quarterly wage index and New Zealand’s PPI numbers are up for release next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way