Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 15, 2018)

Headline retail sales fell 0.1% to mark consecutive monthly declines while the core reading posted a 0.2% uptick versus the estimated 0.4% gain. Headline PPI was better than expected at 0.2% while core PPI came in line with expectations. Fears of a trade war are still present and any updates on Trump's appointments could continue to keep risk-taking in check. Empire State and Philly Fed manufacturing indices are due today.

EUR

The euro was weaker across the board as ECB members reiterated their cautious stance. Draghi repeated most of its remarks during the previous week's ECB presser while Praet also mentioned that it's too early to declare victory on the inflation front, casting doubts that the central bank could tighten soon. Only final CPI readings are due today and downward revisions could reinforce the less hawkish views.

GBP

Sterling was one of the better performing currencies, likely on account of upbeat data and fading Brexit concerns. There are no reports lined up from the UK economy today, so the pound could react more to its counterparts or be sensitive to market sentiment.

CHF

The franc was able to score some gains when risk aversion returned but traders were hesitant to buy up the dollar. There were no major reports out of the Swiss economy yesterday while today has the SNB decision on tap. No policy changes are expected but any jawboning could weigh on the franc.

JPY

The yen also advanced to most of its counterparts as risk-off vibes stayed in the financial markets. There were no major reports out of the Japanese economy yesterday and none are due today, which suggests that sentiment could still be the main driving factor.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie shrugged off the pickup in crude oil as traders still seem to be pricing in the BOC's neutral stance. EIA crude oil inventories rose by 5 million barrels versus the estimated gain of 2.2 million barrels. New Zealand reported a lower than expected 0.6% GDP versus the estimated 0.8% expansion. There are no major reports lined up from these economies next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way