Forex Major Currencies Outlook (August 27, 2013)

Both core and headline figures turned out to be huge disappointments, as the core version printed a 0.6% decline while the headline figure showed a 7.3% drop. For today, CB consumer confidence and the Richmond manufacturing index are on tap. Consumer optimism is expected to retreat from 80.3 to 79.6 while the Richmond manufacturing index could improve from -11 to -7. Bear in mind though that another set of disappointments from the US could trigger a dollar selloff. 

EUR

The euro remained mostly stable against the dollar in yesterday’s trading since there were no major reports released from the euro zone. For today, the German Ifo business climate report is up for release and it is expected to print a reading of 107.1, up from the previous 106.2. A higher than expected figure might push EUR/USD above its current consolidation below the 1.3400 mark and possibly push it to new highs. 

GBP

Pound trading was restricted yesterday as UK banks were on holiday. Today, trading in the UK resumes and might cause a burst of volatility during the London open. There are no reports due from the UK though, as GBP/USD might take its cue from US data. 

CHF

There were no major reports from Switzerland yesterday, leaving franc pairs stuck in consolidation for most of the trading sessions. USD/CHF saw a little bit of movement as the US printed poor durable goods orders figures. For today, Switzerland’s calendar is still empty, which suggests that franc pairs might be in for more sideways movement. 

JPY

The yen lost ground against most of its counterparts in yesterday’s trading, although reports revealed that several major institutions cut back on their short positions. There are no reports due from Japan today, which means that the yen might continue trading on this sentiment or react to changes in market optimism. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, CAD, NZD)

Trading for the comdolls was relatively calm yesterday, as there were no major releases from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. There are still no reports due from these economies today, which means that AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD might be in for much more consolidation across the charts or could be sensitive to the US release of durable goods orders data. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way