Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 24, 2015)

Data from the US economy was weaker than expected, with existing home sales falling short of the estimated 4.91M reading and coming in at 4.88M. Not even FOMC member Fischer’s remarks on potential tightening this year was able to lift the US dollar, as traders are still disappointed that this might take longer than initially expected. For today, US CPI readings are up for release and positive readings are expected for both the headline and core figures.

EUR

The euro continued to advance against the US dollar while sliding against most of its forex counterparts, as ECB Governor Draghi’s speech failed to push the shared currency in a clearer direction. German and French PMI readings from the manufacturing and services sector are lined up for today and small improvements are eyed. If the actual figures come in stronger than expected, the euro might be able to hold on to its recent gains and go for more.

GBP

The pound also regained ground to the dollar but was still in a weak spot against most of its counterparts when data from the UK came in weaker than expected. CBI industrial order expectations showed a drop from 10 to 0 instead of landing at the estimated 9 reading. UK CPI figures are up for release today, with the headline figure likely to show a 0.1% uptick and the core figure expected to print a 1.3% increase. Stronger than expected data could allow the pound to recover while weak readings could lead to another selloff.

CHF

The franc continued to advance against most of its major forex counterparts, despite the lack of top-tier data from Switzerland. There are still no reports lined up from the Swiss economy today, as the franc might take its cue from euro zone reports and general market sentiment.

JPY

The yen weakened on risk appetite but managed to hold on to its recent gains to the US dollar. There have been no reports released from Japan yesterday and none are due today, indicating that sentiment continues to drive yen price action.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD

The comdolls took advantage of the run in risk appetite at the start of the week, as these higher-yielding currencies advanced to the yen and the dollar. Australia’s CB leading index marked a 0.4% uptick earlier today, stronger than the previous 0.3% gain. However, the Chinese HSBC flash manufacturing PMI came in weaker than expected and landed back in the contraction zone, which could force the Aussie to return its wins. No other reports are lined up from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way