Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 23, 2015)

Data from the US economy was better than expected, as the flash manufacturing PMI climbed from 53.9 to 54.3 in February, higher than the estimated 53.7 reading. Only the existing home sales report is up for release today and a drop from 5.04M to 5.03M is eyed. 

EUR

The euro had a volatile Friday when traders sat tight ahead of the outcome of the Greek debt talks. Fortunately for the shared currency, a last-minute agreement was made, allowing the country to stay in the euro zone and propose economic reforms. Euro zone PMI readings came in mixed, as manufacturing indices from both France and Germany missed forecasts while services PMI readings came in strong. Only the German Ifo business climate is due today and an improvement from 106.7 to 107.4 is expected, although traders might keep closer tabs on further Greek debt talks. 

GBP

The pound managed to regain ground as risk appetite improved at the end of the trading week. Data from the UK was weaker than expected, as retail sales marked a 0.3% decline, worse than the projected 0.1% drop. To top it off, the previous report was downgraded to show a mere 0.2% uptick. Only the CBI realized sales report is scheduled for today and a climb fro 39 to 42 is expected. 

CHF

The franc managed to show a bit more volatility on Friday, as the Swiss currency took its cue from euro movements. There have been no reports released from Switzerland then and none are due today, indicating that the franc might continue to move to the tune of risk aversion or euro zone updates. 

JPY

The yen gave up some of its recent wins when risk appetite picked up at the end of the trading week. Japan’s flash manufacturing PMI came in weaker than expected, with the reading dropping from 49.2 to 47.7 instead of improving to 49.7 in February. There are no reports lined up from Japan today. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were able to draw support from the pickup in risk-taking last Friday, although the Loonie gave up its gains when the Canadian retail sales report was released. This indicated a worse than expected 2.3% drop in core consumer spending and a larger than expected 2.0% decline in headline retail sales. There are no reports lined up from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way