Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Jan 13, 2017)

Economic data was better than expected while FOMC voting members reaffirmed their rate hike time line and mostly upbeat assessment of the economy. US retail sales, PPI, and UoM consumer sentiment data are up for release today.

EUR

The euro was also in a weak spot against most of its peers, particularly the commodity currencies, but was on stronger footing against the pound. Italian industrial production beat expectations and so did the region's report but investors are wary of the potential Brexit repercussions on the EU if the UK is kicked out of the single market.

GBP

The pound continued to tumble across the board as traders pared their risk ahead of PM May's testimony today. There were no major reports out of the UK yesterday and the BOE credit conditions survey is lined up today. BOE member Haldane also has a testimony scheduled.

CHF

The franc strengthened against the dollar and its European rivals as risk aversion came into play. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy yesterday and none are due today so market sentiment could push franc pairs around.

JPY

The Japanese yen had a mixed performance as it ended in the green against the euro and pound but was no match to comdoll strength. Japan's Economy Watchers sentiment index climbed from 48.6 to 51.4, higher than the estimated 49.3 figure.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were the strongest performers in recent sessions, thanks to rising gold prices. China reported a smaller than expected trade surplus for January. The reading came in at 275B CNY versus the estimated 345B CNY figure and the earlier 298B surplus, dragged down by a sharper fall in exports.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way