Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Nov 03, 2016)

The FOMC kept interest rates on hold as expected, making some slight revisions in their rhetoric but still keeping December rate hike expectations in play. The ADP non-farm employment change missed the mark and showed a 147K reading versus the projected 166K increase. ISM non-manufacturing PMI is due today and a fall from 57.1 to 56.2 is expected.

EUR

The euro advanced against its counterparts as data from the region was mostly stronger than expected. Spanish and French manufacturing PMI beat expectations while the indices from Italy and the rest of the euro zone came up short. Germany reported a 13K drop in joblessness instead of printing a flat reading. Spanish and Italian jobs data are lined up for today.

GBP

The pound also regained ground as traders likely booked short positions ahead of today's BOE statement. The construction PMI beat expectations with a rise from 52.3 to 52.6 instead of the projected drop to 51.9. No actual policy changes are expected from the BOE today but any change in rhetoric could spur strong moves for pound pairs.

CHF

The franc returned some of its recent gains to the euro and pound, as traders were concerned about potential SNB intervention at these levels. Today has the Swiss SECO consumer climate index due and a rise from -15 to -13 is eyed.

JPY

The yen rallied against most of its forex peers as risk aversion still lingered in the financial markets. Japanese banks are closed for the holiday today so there are no major reports due.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls had a mixed performance as the Aussie advanced while the Loonie lagged. US crude oil inventories rose by 14.4 million barrels versus the estimated buildup of 1.6 million barrels. Australia's trade balance showed a smaller than expected deficit buoyed by a 2% gain in exports. There are no other reports due from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way