Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 3, 2016)

There were no major reports out of the US then, leaving the Greenback to function as a counter currency. For today the ADP non-farm employment change is due, along with the ISM non-manufacturing PMI. 

EUR

The euro was able to advance against the dollar but weakened to the yen, even as employment data from Germany and Spain came in stronger than expected. Spain's unemployment increased less than expected while Germany reported a drop in joblessness of 20K. Final services PMI readings are due from the euro zone's top economies today. 

GBP

The pound shrugged off weaker than expected construction PMI as it rallied against its forex counterparts. The report showed a drop from 57.8 to 55.0, worse than the projected fall to 57.6. For today, the services PMI is due and a dip from 55.5 to 55.4 is eyed.

CHF

The franc regained a bit of ground when SNB Thomas Jordan gave his testimony, as the central bank head refrained from jawboning the currency. Data from Switzerland was still weaker than expected, with retail sales down by an annualized 1.6% versus the estimated 1.3% decline. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY

The yen got back on its feet when risk aversion returned during the US trading session. There were no major reports out of Japan yesterday while today had the BOJ meeting minutes released. BOJ Kuroda also has a testimony lined up and this might spur additional volatility among yen pairs.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls gave up their recent wins when oil supply concerns dominated the headlines again. The API report showed an increase of 3.387 million barrels of crude oil while other energy supplies also piled up. In New Zealand, the dairy auction showed a 7.4% slump in dairy prices while the employment report printed strong headline figures. Underlying data, however, revealed weaker labor force participation. In Australia, building approvals beat expectations but the trade balance came in short. Crude oil inventories from the EIA are due next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way