Forex Major Currencies Outlook (August 23, 2013)

After all, the Jackson Hole Symposium is still taking place until Saturday and there could be surprises that’d take place before the markets reopen on Monday. Only the new home sales report is up for release from the US today and this report could still have an impact on dollar movement, especially if the actual figures fall far behind or come in way above the estimate at 487K. 

EUR

Only medium-tier data is due from the euro zone today, paving the way for smaller moves among euro pairs. Germany will print its final GDP reading for the second quarter and no changes are expected from the initial 0.7% figure. Belgium would release its NBB business climate index and possibly show a small improvement from -12.0 to -11.1. 

GBP

The pound could be in for additional volatility before the week comes to a close since the UK will release the second estimate of its quarterly GDP for the second quarter of 2013. The initial estimate was at 0.6% and this wasn’t enough to please pound bulls at that time. However, an upward revision this time might be enough to extend the pound’s gains, as further growth is also eyed for the succeeding months. 

CHF

Switzerland’s calendar is empty again for today, leaving USD/CHF at the mercy of market sentiment. Although there are hardly any major reports from other economies, the Jackson Hole Symposium might still have a few surprises lined up and might cause action for USD/CHF. 

JPY

There are no reports due from Japan today so make sure you keep tabs on updates or speeches from Japanese government officials detailing what they plan to do with the country’s tax rates and how they can provide support to spending and growth. Other than that, pay attention to how Japanese equities are trading as well in order to predict sentiment for the Japanese economy. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

There are no reports from Australia or New Zealand, as Canada is the only comdoll economy set to print economic figures for today. The CPI data is due during the US session and is expected to show a 0.1% uptick in headline consumer price levels and a flat reading for core price levels. Weaker than expected data could undermine Loonie strength, which has been a result of higher oil prices so far.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way