USD 

The US dollar was off to a rocky start as North Korean jitters and some dovish remarks from FOMC member Kashkari weighed on the currency.

However, it drew support from stronger than expected new home sales at 685K versus expectations at 627K, remarks from incoming Fed head Powell suggesting a continuation of the central bank’s tightening pace, and Trump’s tweet on tax reform. The CB consumer confidence index is up for release today, along with Powell’s actual speech and a testimony by Treasury Secretary Mnuchin. 

EUR 

The euro was able to hold on to most of its gains as signs point to a coalition being formed in Germany. There were no reports out of the euro zone then, allowing traders to price in expectations for the data points in the next few days. Today has German import prices and the GfK consumer confidence index lined up. 

GBP 

The pound had a mixed run as it slid to the dollar and yen but managed to hold steady versus the comdolls. There were no major reports out of the UK economy other than BOE member Haldane’s speech and today has the BOE Financial Stability Report due. Bank stress test results could incorporate Brexit risks but could still reassure market watchers that the UK financial sector might stay resilient. 

CHF 

The franc raked in a few gains against its rivals even though there were no reports out of the Swiss economy yesterday. Today has an empty docket as well, leaving the Swiss currency to take its cue from market sentiment or euro price action. 

JPY 

The yen caught pips against most of its rivals in recent session as traders still appeared hesitant to buy the dollar. There were no major reports out of Japan then and none are due today so market sentiment and global bond yields could push yen pairs around. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The Loonie was the weakest of the bunch as news of the Keystone Pipeline reopening this week led to a drop in crude oil. This drove expectations of higher supply in the US, possibly making up for the previous draws. Traders also seem more cautious ahead of the OPEC meeting as Russia’s participation in the deal could determine the market reaction. The Kiwi has been able to benefit from short-covering but is facing risks from the release of the RBNZ Financial Stability Report. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way