Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Jan 5, 2016)

The ISM manufacturing PMI turned out to be a disappointment as the reading fell from 48.6 to 48.2 instead of improving to the projected 49.1 figure. There are no major reports due from the US economy today.

EUR

The euro was able to pare its losses against its counterparts, except for the dollar and the yen, when data from the euro zone came in mostly stronger than expected. Although the German preliminary CPI came in below expectations with a 0.1% decline, the Italian manufacturing PMI surprised to the upside while other PMI readings from the top economies came in line with expectations. Euro zone CPI estimates and German unemployment change data are lined up.

GBP

The pound was in a weak spot yesterday after the UK printed a downbeat manufacturing PMI reading. The index fell from 52.5 to 51.9 instead of improving to the estimated 52.8 figure, reflecting a slower pace of expansion. The construction PMI is due today and a rise from 55.3 to 56.1 is expected but this might have a minimal impact on pound movement.

CHF

The franc managed to score some gains when the Swiss manufacturing PMI beat expectations. The reading rose from 49.7 to 52.1, outpacing the consensus at 50.2 to indicate a much stronger pace of industry expansion. There are no reports out of Switzerland today.

JPY 

The yen was able to benefit from the downturn in global equities, as the selloff in Asian stock markets boosted the yen's safe-haven appeal. Japan's final manufacturing PMI was revised from 52.5 to 52.6. There are no reports due from Japan today, leaving risk sentiment in play.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls suffered sharp losses at the start of the week when China's Caixin manufacturing PMI came in below expectations. Traders also priced in their expectations for further stock declines ahead of the expiration of the six-month ban on short-selling. The New Zealand GDT auction is scheduled later today and another decline in dairy prices could mean more losses for the Kiwi.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way