Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 10, 2015)

There have been no top-tier reports released yesterday while today has only a few low-impact ones on tap. The JOLTS job openings, which is a leading indicator of hiring gains, is up for release and it might show an increase from 4.97M to 5.03M. Risk sentiment could be a key driver of price action in today’s trading sessions.

EUR

The euro continued to edge lower against its forex counterparts even though data from the region came in better than expected. The German trade balance showed a larger surplus of 21.8 billion EUR versus the projected 18.2 billion EUR while the euro zone Sentix investor confidence report marked a gain from 0.9 to 12.4, outpacing the consensus at 3.4. For today, French and Italian industrial production numbers are due.

GBP

 The pound retreated to the dollar and yen after its recent rallies, as there were no reports to give the currency a boost yesterday. Today has the UK manufacturing production data on tap and this might indicate a 0.3% increase. The NIESR GDP estimate is also lined up and a strong reading could renew pound strength.

CHF

 The franc consolidated mostly in the past few hours since there were no catalysts from Switzerland. The CPI reading is up for release today and another decline is expected. Analysts are projecting a 0.4% drop in consumer price levels, following the previous 0.5% decline. Weaker than expected data could lead to more losses for the franc.

JPY

 The yen had a mixed performance as it gave up ground to the comdolls but strengthened against the European currencies. Current account balance and bank lending data came in line with expectations while the release of the tertiary industry activity index today showed weaker than expected results. The reading marked a 0.3% decline versus the projected 0.1% uptick, which could put selling pressure on the Japanese yen for the rest of the day.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

 The comdolls were able to hold on to their recent gains as commodity prices continued to climb in recent trading sessions. Earlier today, Australia’s NAB business confidence report showed a climb from 2 to 3, indicating stronger optimism. However, China just printed weaker than expected inflation figures, as the CPI showed a mere 0.8% increase compared to the previous 1.5% gain while the PPI printed a massive 4.7% loss. No other reports are lined up from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way