Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 26, 2015)

New home sales picked up by 481K versus the projected 471K gain. In her semi-annual testimony in front of Congress, Fed Chairperson Yellen reiterated her cautious comments in saying that the Fed isn’t in a rush to hike interest rates just yet. US CPI figures are up for release today, with the headline reading slated to show a 0.6% decline in price levels and the core reading expected to print a 0.1% uptick. US durable goods orders data is also due. Weaker than expected data could lead traders to push rate hike expectations back further, which might lead to more dollar weakness.

EUR

The euro was still in a weak spot to its forex counterparts even though there were no major reports released from the region. In his speech yesterday, ECB Governor Draghimentioned that he is seeing a few positive signs in the economy. He refrained from focusing on Greece’s finances and instead chose to highlight the role of capital markets in boosting growth. German unemployment change and GfK consumer climate data are up for release today, both of which are expected to show better figures.

GBP

The pound extended its gains in recent trading sessions, as BOE Governor Carney reiterated his optimistic comments on the economy. He said that the UK could reach its 2% inflation target in two years and that real wages are starting to pick up, which should be good for spending and overall growth. The UK’s second GDP estimate is up for release today and no changes are expected for the 0.5% growth figure.

CHF

The franc edged lower to its counterparts once more, as euro weakness increased the odds of another SNB intervention. Data from Switzerland has also been weaker than expected, as the UBS consumption indicator fell from 1.42 to 1.24. There are no reports lined up from the Swiss economy today. 

JPY

The yen had a mixed performance, as it consolidated to most of its major counterparts but gave up ground to the pound. There have been no reports released from Japan yesterday and none are due today, leaving traders to price in their expectations for Japan’s data set due tomorrow. For now, risk sentiment might continue to drive yen movements. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls returned some of their recent wins when Fonterra refrained from upgrading its milk forecasts in their latest board meeting. Australia also reported a worse than expected 2.2% decline in private capital expenditure for Q4 2014, indicating weaker business conditions. Later today, Canadian CPI figures are up for release and its headline figure is eyeing a 0.4% decline. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way