USD 

The US dollar scored another day in the green as upbeat stock market performance on tax reform remarks and easing concerns about North Korea was the main driver.

Medium-tier reports also turned out stronger than expected, with the NFIB Small Business index posting a surprise uptick and the JOLTS job openings figure for July hinting at more hiring growth down the line. US PPI numbers are due today and the headline figure could show a 0.3% rebound while the core reading could see a 0.2% uptick. 

EUR 

The euro had a mixed run as it mostly reacted to its counterparts. Data was mixed, with French private payrolls falling short of the estimated 0.5% gain and printing a 0.4% increase while the Italian quarterly jobless rate improved to 11.2% versus the 11.3% consensus. German final CPI and WPI are up for release next. 

GBP 

The pound enjoyed a strong kick higher when the UK printed higher than expected inflation reports. Headline CPI jumped from 2.6% to 2.9% versus the 2.8% consensus while core CPI rose from 2.4% to 2.7%. Underlying inflation figures also beat expectations, reviving hopes that the BOE could consider hiking interest rates in their upcoming statement. But before that, the UK jobs report is up for release next and a 0.8K increase in claimants is eyed. The average earnings index could recover from 2.1% to 2.3%. 

CHF 

The franc gave up more ground to most of its peers as risk-taking was in play. There were no reports to keep the franc supported in earlier sessions while today has the PPI lined up. Analysts are expecting to see a 0.2% increase after the previous flat reading, but downbeat data could keep traders wary of SNB jawboning in their statement later this week. 

JPY 

The yen was also in the red as risk appetite led traders to dump lower-yielding currencies. There were no reports from Japan then and today has the BSI manufacturing index and PPI on the docket. The former could show an improvement from -2.9 to +4.8 while the latter could rise from 2.6% to 3.2%. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The comdolls were able to put up a fight against the dollar on risk-taking, with the Kiwi leading the pack on easing political uncertainty ahead of the elections. A poll revealed that the Green Party might not end up with enough votes to secure a seat in parliament, which might leave the National Party to run off with a majority. In Australia, the NAB business confidence index fell from 12 to 5 and the Westpac consumer sentiment index is due next. Both the EIA and OPEC downgraded oil demand forecasts for this year, with the latter reporting weaker compliance in its output deal for August. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way