Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Aug 09, 2016)

Only the Fed labor market conditions index was printed and it reflected the first positive reading for the year, assuring market watchers that an employment rebound is taking place. US preliminary non-farm productivity and unit labor costs data are up for release today. 

EUR

The euro was mostly weaker against its peers even though there were no major reports out of the region. German industrial production came in line with estimates of a 0.8% gain while today has the trade balance up for release. 

GBP

The pound resumed its slide to most of its major counterparts as traders seem to be pricing in weaker manufacturing production data due today. A flat reading is expected to follow the previous 0.5% drop but a larger than expected decline could mean sharper pound losses. 

CHF

The franc sank to the dollar but managed to hold on to its gains against its other currency rivals. Swiss CPI came in better than expected with a 0.4% drop in price levels versus the estimated 0.5% decline. The Swiss jobless rate is due today and no change from the 3.3% reading is eyed. 

JPY

The yen also had a mixed performance but was mostly weaker on risk appetite, except against the pound. Japan's Economy Watchers Sentiment index showed a rise from 41.2 to 45.1 versus the projected 42.6 reading. There are no major reports due from Japan today so risk sentiment could be the main driver for yen pairs. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The comdolls struggled to hold on to their gains but the Loonie got a bit of a boost on the rumored OPEC meeting for September. Qatar's oil minister also noted that a rebound in demand is expected to be seen in the second half of the year. CPI data from China beat expectations, keeping the Aussie supported, while RBNZ rate cut expectations are still weighing on the Kiwi.  

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way