Forex Major Currencies Outlook (July 24, 2017)

No actual rate changes are expected but traders are expecting a less upbeat outlook and some more details on when the balance sheet runoff might start. There were no reports out of the US on Friday while today has flash manufacturing and services PMIs on tap.

EUR

The euro held on to its gains versus the dollar but retreated to the yen on lack of BOJ dovishness. There were no major reports out of the euro zone on Friday while today has the flash manufacturing and services PMI readings from the top economies. Stronger than expected data could confirm that it's only a matter of time before the ECB tapers asset purchases.

GBP

The pound was one of the weakest performers as downbeat CPI weighed on BOE rate hike prospects even as UK retail sales beat expectations. Public sector borrowing was also weaker than expected. There are no reports due from the UK economy today.

CHF

The franc had a mixed round as it mostly reacted to currency-specific factors. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy on Friday and none are due today so market sentiment could keep pushing franc pairs around.

JPY

The yen advanced on the lack of BOJ dovishness in their policy statement earlier in the week and on expectations of a more cautious FOMC statement this week. There were no reports out of Japan on Friday while today has the flash manufacturing PMI. A dip from 52.4 to 52.2 was reported for July, lower than the estimated drop to 52.3.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls broke higher to the US dollar but gave up some ground to the Japanese yen. Data from Canada turned out mixed as the core retail sales figure missed expectations while the headline figure printed a 0.6% gain, outpacing the 0.3% consensus. Headline CPI came in line with expectations of a 0.1% dip. Only the Canadian wholesale sales report is due today. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way