USD A fresh wave of risk appetite hit the markets and the U.S. dollar in yesterday’s trading. This caused a selloff for the safe-haven currency, as Obama announced that the U.S. Congress has postponed its vote on the military attack in Syria. 

Apparently, world leaders are pursuing a more diplomatic solution, as Russia’s Putin is asking Syria to hand over its chemical weapons. With no major reports due from the US today, all eyes and ears will be on the developments in this situation in Syria as these could impact risk sentiment and dollar movement. 

EUR

Although the euro lost ground to the dollar in the Asian and London sessions, EUR/USD was able to recover later on when risk appetite surged. French data came in weaker than expected and today’s set of medium-tier reports from the euro zone could also disappoint. However, should risk appetite stay up, the euro might be shielded from more losses. 

GBP

The pound edged higher against the yen and the dollar yesterday, boosted by a run of risk appetite. The UK RICS house price index also provided support for the pound as it printed a 40% increase. For today, the UK claimant count change will take the spotlight in terms of UK data. After falling by nearly 30K in July, joblessness could decline by 20K in August. A larger decline in claimants could provide another boost for the pound while a weak reading might force it to retreat.

CHF

The franc was no match to dollar and euro strength, as the Swiss currency was weighed down by the run in risk-taking. There were no major reports released from Switzerland yesterday and there are none due today. 

JPY

USD/JPY made another attempt to break past the 100.00 level yesterday and, thanks to the run in risk appetite, the pair was successful. At the same time, the BOJ minutes which called on more reforms for the government also resulted to a Nikkei rally and a corresponding yen selloff. No major reports due from Japan today so yen pairs could stay sensitive to risk sentiment. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, CAD, NZD)

The comdoll gang was among the currencies that were able to benefit the most from the run in risk-taking. AUD/USD sealed its break above the 93.00 level while NZD/USD held steady above the .8000 handle. Data from Australia has been relatively upbeat, with the Westpac consumer sentiment report posting another improvement. The RBNZ is set to make its interest rate decision in the upcoming Asian session and traders could start pricing in expectations of an upbeat statement as early as today. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader’s Way