USD

The US dollar was mostly supported by stronger than expected housing data, along with strong contributions from durable goods orders.

However, uncertainties surrounding the Trump tax plan and the next Fed head are keeping the dollar’s gains in check. Only medium-tier reports like the goods trde balance, preliminary wholesale inventories, and pending home sales are due next.

EUR

The euro was able to hold its ground against most of its peers, except against the British pound. German Ifo business climate data was stronger than expected as the reading rose from 115.3 to 116.7 instead of dipping to 115.2. Traders are sitting tight ahead of today’s ECB decision as the central bank is widely expected to announce the size of its taper. 

GBP

The pound got a strong boost from better than expected Q3 preliminary GDP. The economy expanded 0.4% during the quarter, a notch higher than the estimated and previous 0.3% growth figure. Only the CBI realized sales index is due today and a fall from 42 to 14 is expected, possibly hinting at weaker business conditions down the line.

CHF

The franc regained ground against most of its rivals, except for the British pound. Data from Switzerland showed improvements as the UBS consumption indicator rose from 1.50 to 1.56 while the Credit Suisse Economic Expectations index climbed from 28.0 to 32.0. There are no reports due from Switzerland today so the currency could be sensitive to the ECB decision and its impact on EUR/CHF.

JPY

The yen recovered against most of its peers, except the pound. There were no major reports out of Japan but uncertainties looming over the dollar rendered the yen as the preferred safe-haven currency for the day. There are still no major reports due today so traders could be sensitive to market sentiment in trading yen pairs.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie was dragged lower by the BOC’s less hawkish tone during their rate statement. The central bank kept rates unchanged at 1.00% as expected but mentioned inflation concerns and the Loonie strength one too many times even in the presser. BOC head Poloz and policymaker Wilkins also noted the uncertainties stemming from NAFTA renegotiations. New Zealand printed a larger than expected trade deficit at 1143 million NZD versus the estimated 900 million NZD shortfall.

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way