Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 06, 2017)

The headline reading showed a gain of 227K in hiring for January, higher than the consensus at 170K and the earlier 157K figure. The unemployment rate ticked up from 4.7% to 4.8% while average hourly earnings printed a meager 0.1% uptick versus the projected 0.3% gain. ISM non-manufacturing PMI also fell short of estimates by falling to 56.5 versus the projected 57.0 figure. There are no major reports due from the US economy today. 

EUR

The euro had a mixed performance as it weakened to the yen but advanced against the pound and dollar. Euro zone PMI readings were mostly in line with estimates except for the Spanish services PMI which showed slower than expected industry growth. German factory orders is due today and a 0.6% rebound is eyed while the euro zone retail PMI could show a rise from the earlier 50.4 figure. 

GBP

The pound gave up ground to its peers when the UK services PMI fell short of estimates. The reading slid from 56.2 to 54.5 versus the projected 55.8 reading to show a much slower pace of industry expansion. There are no major reports due from the UK today. 

CHF

The franc took advantage of dollar and pound weakness but was no match to euro strength. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy on Friday so the currency reacted to country-specific events. There are still no major reports due from Switzerland today. 

JPY

The yen was on solid footing and able to take advantage of dollar weakness, as well as safe-haven demand. There were no reports out of Japan then but the drop in US bond yields encouraged investors to put their money back in Japanese bonds. Earlier today, Japan reported weaker average cash earnings growth of 0.1% versus the projected 0.4% increase.  

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls continued to rake in gains to the dollar and pound but failed to budge against the yen. Chinese Caixin manufacturing PMI showed a steeper than expected drop while Australia printed a surprise 0.1% drop in retail sales instead of the estimated 0.3% increase. There are no other reports due from the comdolls today. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way