Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Oct 21, 2016)

The Philly Fed index posted a smaller than expected decline but still indicated a slowdown in the manufacturing industry. There are no major reports due from the US economy today. 

EUR 

The euro continued to tumble against its forex counterparts as traders were disappointed to find out that ECB policymakers hadn't planned on tapering QE yet. ECB Governor Draghi said that QE could extend past the March 2017 end-date, citing a weak inflation outlook and downside risks to growth. Euro zone business confidence data is due today, along with a speech by German President Weidmann. 

GBP

The pound put up a fight against its forex rivals despite weaker than expected UK retail sales. The report showed a flat reading instead of the estimated 0.3% uptick. UK public sector net borrowing data is due today but market watchers could be more sensitive to Brexit headlines. 

CHF

The franc underwent a volatile period during the ECB press conference as the Swiss currency took its cue from the euro. Swiss trade balance was stronger than expected at a surplus of 4.37B CHF from the earlier 3.01B CHF. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today. 

JPY  

The yen was mostly weaker against its peers even though there were no major reports out of the Japanese economy. Earlier today, BOJ Governor Kuroda had a testimony but his remarks failed to inspire strong moves for the currency, leaving it vulnerable to market sentiment for the rest of the day. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were in a weak spot after Australia printed a dismal jobs report. Unemployment rose by 9.8K while labor force participation tanked. In New Zealand, visitor arrivals and credit card spending rebounded. Canada's CPI and retail sales figures are due today and improvements are expected on both fronts. 

By Kate Curtis from  Trader's Way