Forex Major Currencies Outlook (July 17, 2017)

Headline CPI posted a flat reading instead of the estimated 0.1% uptick while the core CPI had a meager 0.1% gain instead of the estimated 0.2% increase. Headline and core retail sales were down 0.2% while preliminary UoM consumer sentiment also fell short of estimates. Only the Empire State manufacturing index is due today and a fall from 19.8 to 15.2 is expected.

EUR

The euro had a mixed round as it regained ground to the dollar and yen but caved to the pound and commodity currencies. Economic data came in mixed as the Italian trade balance beat expectations but the region's reading fell short. Euro zone final CPI readings are lined up today and traders are not expecting any revisions.

GBP

The pound was able to stay afloat on Friday even though there were no major reports out of the UK. Prior to this, UK jobs data beat expectations but wage inflation indicated weakness, possibly upping the pressure on the BOE to act. There are no major reports due today but traders might start pricing in expectations for the UK CPI report.

CHF

The franc weakened against its peers as risk appetite stayed in play. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy then and none are due today, so market sentiment could keep pushing franc pairs around.

JPY

The yen was able to regain some ground against the dollar but was in a weak spot to its peers leading up to this week's BOJ decision. Japan's industrial production figure was downgraded to show a larger 3.6% slide versus the initially reported 3.3% drop. Japanese banks are closed for the holiday today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls took advantage of dollar weakness once more as risk appetite stayed in play. Chinese reports are up for release today, with slight dips in GDP, retail sales, and fixed asset investment eyed. Industrial production is estimated to hold steady at 6.5%. New Zealand will be printing its Q2 CPI as well and analysts are expecting to see a 0.2% increase, much slower than the earlier 1.0% gain.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way