Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Aug 08, 2017)

Two Fed officials shared their thoughts on future policy moves, with both Kashkari and Bullard urging to start the balance sheet runoff soon since this won't harm the markets. US consumer credit shrank from $18.3 billion to $12.4 billion. The NFIB small business index is due, along with the JOLTS job openings data and IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism index. 

EUR 

The euro retreated against most of its counterparts as traders started having doubts on ECB tapering. German industrial production was weaker than expected with a 1.1% fall versus the projected 0.2% uptick. German and French trade balance are due next and upbeat results could lift the shared currency once more. 

GBP 

The pound was still on weak footing as traders continued adjusting their portfolios to the less hawkish BOE bias and Brexit concerns. The Halifax HPI posted a larger than expected 0.4% gain versus the projected 0.3% uptick. There are no reports due from the UK economy today. 

CHF 

The franc also tumbled to most of its peers as the SNB foreign currency reserves figure grew from 694 billion CHF to 714 billion CHF, hinting that the central bank may be increasing its forex holdings to keep the franc weak. Swiss CPI posted the estimated 0.3% drop in price levels, following the earlier 0.1% downtick. Swiss jobless rate is due today and no changes from the earlier 3.2% reading is expected. 

JPY 

The yen regained some ground to its peers as tensions with North Korea drove demand for safe-havens. Japan's leading indicators improved from 104.6% to 106.3%, slightly higher than the 106.2% consensus. The country's current account surplus also widened from 1.40T JPY to 1.52T JPY. The Economy Watchers Sentiment index is due next. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The comdolls advanced against most of their European counterparts while struggling to the dollar and yen. New Zealand's quarterly inflation expectations figure slipped from 2.2% to 2.1% while Canadian banks were closed for the holiday. China's trade balance is up for release next and no changes are eyed. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way