Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Apr 28, 2017)

It weakened to the pound and yen but advanced against the euro and comdolls. Durable goods orders figures came in below expectations, and so did pending home sales and the initial jobless claims. For today, the advanced GDP report is due and a slower growth figure of 1.3% is eyed compared to the previous period's 2.1% gain. Chicago PMI and speeches by FOMC members Brainard and Harker are also lined up.

EUR

The euro advanced during the ECB statement as policymakers acknowledged that recent data is reflecting strong and continued growth. However, the shared currency retreated after Draghi admitted that underlying inflationary pressures remain subdued. He also said that interest rates could remain at current low levels even after QE ends and that they haven't decided on their options in June. French and Spanish flash GDP data are due, along with French consumer spending and German retail sales figures.

GBP

The pound held on to its recent gains and went for more as the CBI realized sales figure jumped from 9 to 38 instead of falling to 6. This medium-tier leading indicator reflects the resilience of the UK economy even with Brexit uncertainties, shoring up demand for the pound. UK preliminary GDP is due today and a 0.4% expansion is eyed, slightly lower than the earlier 0.6% growth figure.

CHF

The franc was mostly stronger, except against the British pound. Swiss trade balance came in stronger than expected at a surplus of 3.10 billion CHF compared to the expected 3.01 billion CHF surplus but smaller than the earlier 3.12 billion CHF figure. The Swiss KOF economic barometer is due today and an uptick from 107.6 to 107.7 is eyed. SNB head Jordan also has a speech lined up.

JPY

The yen regained ground as pairs tested technical levels for the week. Economic data from Japan turned out mixed, with household spending and preliminary industrial production falling short of estimates and retail sales printing strong results. Inflation reports were mostly in line with estimates. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were generally weaker as risk aversion was in play and there were no major reports to give them a boost. New Zealand's ANZ business confidence index dipped from 13 to 11 while Australia's quarterly PPI was stronger than expected at 0.5% versus 0.3%. Canada's monthly GDP is due today and a 0.1% uptick in growth is eyed.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way