Forex Major Currencies Outlook (January 17, 2014)

Medium-tier reports came in mostly in line with expectations, as the core CPI showed a 0.1% uptick while the initial jobless claims report indicated a 326K figure. The Philly Fed index came in better than expected with a 9.3 reading versus the estimated 8.8 figure. US building permits and housing starts, along with the preliminary consumer sentiment data, are up for release today.

EUR

The euro found some support around the 1.3600 handle against the dollar, as there were no negative reports released from the euro zone yesterday. Data came in mostly in line with expectations, with only the core CPI missing the forecast of a 0.9% increase and showing a 0.7% uptick. There are no major reports lined up from the euro zone today so range-bound behavior of euro pairs might carry on.

GBP

The pound was also stuck in consolidation against the US dollar but with a slight downside bias. There have been no major reports released from the UK yesterday, as traders are awaiting the retail sales report today. The consumer spending report could print a 0.5% increase for December and a stronger than expected reading might trigger a bounce for the pound.

CHF

There have been no major reports released from Switzerland yesterday but SNB Chairman Jordan’s speech was enough to trigger a bounce for USD/CHF. Only the Swiss PPI is up for release today and although it is projected to show a 0.2% uptick, it might not have a strong impact on franc trading.

JPY

The yen was able to pack in gains against the Australian dollar yesterday but was unable to repeat the same performance against other currencies. Data on Japanese consumer confidence is up for release today and a strong figure might trigger a Nikkei rally, which could boost yen pairs up.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Australian dollar sank to new lows to the dollar and lost a lot of ground to the Japanese yen, as the employment report renewed hopes of an RBA rate cut. There are no reports due from the comdoll economies today as their price action might be dependent on risk sentiment.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way