Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Apr 26, 2017)

Housing figures were generally better than expected but the Richmond manufacturing index dipped while CB consumer confidence also turned lower. Traders are now turning their focus to Trump's upcoming tax reform announcement and this might cause volatility for the dollar as there are no other major catalysts on deck.

EUR

The euro resumed its climb as more polls indicated a widening lead for Macron versus Le Pen, thereby reducing odds of a Frexit. Medium-tier data from the euro zone also turned out mostly stronger than expected while a report from Reuters suggested that the ECB might remove references to downside risks in their upcoming policy statement. There are no major reports due from the euro zone today.

GBP

The pound also squeezed out some gains against most of its rivals, despite a larger than expected public deficit. The net borrowing figure came in at 4.4 billion GBP, higher than the projected reading at 2.1 billion GBP. There are no reports lined up from the UK economy for today.

CHF

The franc had a mixed performance as the lack of data from Switzerland left it reacting mostly to currency-specific events. Swiss UBS consumption indicator and Credit Suisse economic expectations data are up for release next.

JPY

The yen lost a lot of ground to its peers as risk appetite returned and weekend gaps were left unfilled. Japan is set to print its all industries activity index next and might show a 0.8% uptick, higher than the earlier 0.1% increase, but traders are likely to put more focus on market sentiment and bond yields with the Trump tax announcement coming up.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls had a mixed performance as they weakened to the dollar and European currencies but advanced to the yen. Trump talked tough on the Canadian lumber and dairy industry, weighing on the Loonie despite the pickup in crude oil. Australia's quarterly CPI is due next and a 0.6% uptick is eyed while Canada is scheduled to print its retail sales figures next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way