Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Nov 21, 2017)

The CB leading index came in stronger than expected with a 1.2% gain versus the projected 0.6% uptick. Existing home sales data and a speech by Fed Chair Yellen are lined up today, but updates on tax reform and North Korean tensions could also push the dollar around. 

EUR 

The euro was able to recover some of its losses from the start of the week as jitters over Germany's political troubles faded. German PPI turned out stronger than expected with a 0.3% uptick versus the estimated 0.2% gain. There are no major reports due from the region today, so political updates could push the shared currency around. 

GBP

The pound made quite a recovery on renewed optimism for Brexit negotiations only to retreat when EU's Barnier talked about potentially blocking a trade deal with the UK. BOE Inflation Report hearings are scheduled today and traders are likely to take cues from policymakers' inflation outlook and rate hike biases for next year.  

CHF

The franc gave up some ground as risk appetite returned to the markets during the European session. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy then while today has the trade balance on tap. Analysts expect the surplus to widen from 2.92 billion CHF to 3.21 billion CHF, which might be bullish for the franc unless risk-taking surges once more. 

JPY

The yen also lost ground to risk-taking despite stronger than expected Japanese trade balance released over the weekend. The all industries activity index is up for release today and a 0.4% dip is eyed, following the earlier 0.1% uptick. Apart from that, market sentiment and bond yields could also push yen pairs around. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The higher-yielding comdolls made a bit of a recovery during the day but the Loonie lagged behind on the lack of progress in NAFTA negotiations. The fifth round of talks is set to conclude with arguments over US auto parts demands, and there's also the chance of Trump walking out of the talks altogether. The RBA minutes highlighted the central bank's cautious stance, highlighting the weakness in wage growth and spending. Canadian wholesale sales data and New Zealand's global dairy trade auction are lined up next. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way