USD 

The US dollar got a bit of reprieve when it was reported that Trump was impressed by his meeting with John Taylor, another potential candidate for Fed Chairmanship.

He is also reportedly scheduled to meet with Yellen on Thursday. Data surprised to the upside as the Empire State manufacturing index rose from 24.4 to 30.2. Industrial production data is up for release today and a 0.3% rebound is eyed. Data on import prices and capacity utilization are also lined up. 

EUR 

The euro took hits despite stronger than expected data from Germany and the entire region. German WPI was up 0.6% versus the 0.4% consensus while the region’s trade balance also beat expectations with a 21.6 billion EUR surplus versus the consensus at 20.3 billion EUR. ZEW economic sentiment figures are due today, along with final CPI readings, but the focus could stay on political developments in Spain, Austria, and Germany. 

GBP 

The pound had another topsy-turvy day as Brexit updates were the main driver of price action. Prime Minister May had a previously unannounced working dinner with EC President Juncker, after which they pledged to speed up negotiations. However, this didn’t seem enough to assure businessmen and taxpayers in the UK. CPI readings are due today and the headline figure is slated to rise from 2.9% to 3.0% while the core reading could hold steady at 2.7%. 

CHF 

The franc gave up ground to most of its peers despite the lack of top-tier data from Switzerland. There are still no major reports due from the Swiss economy today so franc pairs could take their cues from currency-specific factors or overall market sentiment. 

JPY 

The yen had a mixed run but was mostly stronger against its counterparts. Japan’s industrial production figure was downgraded from 2.1% to 2.0% but this seemed to have a minimal effect on the lower-yielding currency, which managed to draw some support from geopolitical risks. There are still no reports due from Japan today and the attention seems to be on the talks between US and North Korean diplomats. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The Kiwi got a boost from upbeat CPI data at 0.5% versus 0.4% in Q3, representing a pickup in inflation from the previous flat reading. Earlier today, Australia printed the minutes of the latest RBA meeting. New Zealand’s GDT auction is due next and a rebound in dairy prices could keep the Kiwi afloat. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way