Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 16, 2018)

Initial jobless claims and the Empire State manufacturing index surpassed forecasts while the Philly Fed index missed. Industrial production, building permits and housing starts are due today.

EUR

The euro was still in a weak spot as ECB officials have been downplaying the idea of tightening as inflationary pressures have remained weak. There have been no major reports out of the euro zone yesterday while today has final CPI readings.

GBP

The pound gave up ground to the dollar and yen but managed to stay resilient against its other peers. There were no reports out of the UK yesterday while only the CB leading index is due today. Analysts expect to see a rebound from the earlier 0.2% dip.

CHF

The franc barely reacted to the SNB decision as traders shrugged off jawboning remarks from Chairperson Jordan. PPI also came in stronger than expected with a 0.3% uptick versus the estimated 0.2% gain. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY

The yen was the big winner in recent trading sessions as it took advantage of risk-off flows and the late news on Mueller's subpoena into Russia-related Trump documents. Japanese industrial production data was downgraded from a 6.6% decline to a 6.8% drop, though. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls found themselves at the losing end of the latest trading sessions as fears of a trade war lingered. The Loonie took extra hits on weak housing starts data and the downgrade in the ADP employment figure for January. Canadian foreign security purchases and manufacturing sales are due next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way