Forex Major Currencies Outlook (July 04, 2016)

The reading jumped from 51.3 to 53.2 instead of holding steady, indicating a much faster pace of industry growth. However, construction spending and ISM manufacturing prices came in much weaker than expected. US banks are closed for the Fourth of July holiday today.

EUR

The euro was stuck in consolidation on Friday despite mostly stronger than expected medium-tier data. Manufacturing PMI readings from its top economies either beat expectations or were revised higher while the Italian unemployment rate also came in better than expected. The Spanish unemployment change report and euro zone Sentix investor confidence data re due todya.

GBP

The pound was still weaker against most of its forex peers even though the UK manufacturing PMI beat expectations. The index rose from 50.4 to 52.1 to show a faster pace of industry growth but traders seemed to shrug this off as they continued pricing in expectations for additional BOE easing. UK construction PMI is due today and a drop from 51.2 to 50.6 is expected.

CHF

The franc was unable to establish a clear trading direction even while the Swiss retail sales report came in slightly better than expected. Consumer spending was down 1.6% year-over-year compared to the estimated 1.7% decline and the previous 2.2% slump. There are no reports due from Switzerland today.

JPY

The yen barely budged on Friday as most of the Japanese economic reports came in line with consensus. The Tankan manufacturing index was unchanged at 6 instead of dropping to the projected reading of 4 while the non-manufacturing component dropped from 22 to 19 as expected. Consumer confidence improved from 40.9 to 41.8. There are no reports due from Japan today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls held on to their gains as commodity prices stayed supported. Data from China came in mostly in line with consensus, except for the Caixin manufacturing PMI which dropped from 49.2 to 48.6. Earlier today Australia reported a 5.2% drop in building approvals. No other major reports are due from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way