Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 17, 2015)

Data from the US was weaker than expected, as the Empire State manufacturing index fell from 7.8 to 6.9 instead of improving to the estimated 8.1 figure. Industrial production showed a bleak 0.1% uptick instead of the projected 0.3% gain while capacity utilization was also worse than expected. US building permits and housing starts are lined up today and another set of weak figures could lead to more dollar losses.

EUR 

The euro managed to recover against some of its rivals, despite the lack of top-tier data from the euro zone. ECB Governor Draghi once again emphasized the positive developments in the region during his latest testimony, allowing the shared currency a bit of relief. German ZEW economic sentiment data is due today and it might indicate a jump from 53.0 to 58.9, reflecting stronger optimism. Improvements are also expected for the region’s ZEW reading, which might keep the euro supported.

GBP

The pound bounced back in recent trading sessions, even though there were no major reports released from the UK. The CB leading index showed a 0.2% gain after staying flat in the previous month while the Rightmove HPI showed a 1.0% increase in prices. There are no reports due from the UK today. 

CHF

The franc surprisingly managed to hold on to some of its gains against the dollar even with weak Swiss data. Producer prices tumbled by 1.4%, worse than the previous 0.6% decline and in contrast to the projected 0.4% uptick. Retail sales marked a 0.3% annualized decline versus the estimated 2.6% increase while the previous figure was downgraded. No reports are lined up from Switzerland today. 

JPY

The yen consolidated to its counterparts as traders awaited today’s BOJ rate statement. Calls for further easing have been growing, as the Japanese economy has churned out weak inflation and spending data in the past months. However, an upbeat assessment and outlook for the Japanese economy from BOJ policymakers might still be seen, resulting to a rally for the yen. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls had a mixed performance as the Kiwi managed to recover while the Aussie and Loonie gave up further ground. Earlier today, the RBA released the minutes of its latest policy meeting, reminding traders that they are open to further rate cuts if needed. Canadian manufacturing sales data is due today and New Zealand will have another dairy auction, with a potential decline in dairy prices expected. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way