Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 22, 2017)

Only the current account balance was released and this showed a smaller deficit of $112 billion USD. Existing home sales data is due today and a fall to 5.59M is eyed, but this still isn't expected to have a huge impact on dollar action.

EUR

The euro advanced once more as another poll gave the lead to Macron versus other candidates like Le Pen and Fillon. There were no major reports out of the region yesterday but the improving sentiment and the change in monetary policy stance of the ECB continue to keep the shared currency supported. Euro zone current account balance is due today.

GBP

The pound also raked in gains after printing upbeat CPI readings. Headline CPI was up from 1.8% to 2.3%, outpacing the 2.1% forecast, while core CPI rose from 1.6% to 2.0% versus the 1.7% consensus. Underlying figures also beat expectations, except for the PPI input figure which fell 0.4%. There are no major reports from the UK today.

CHF

The franc moved mostly sideways as traders are still waiting for the next round of major catalysts. Swiss trade balance was weaker than expected at 3.11B CHF versus the projected 3.85B CHF surplus. There are no reports due from Switzerland today.

JPY

The yen managed to maintain its lead, even against the stronger European currencies, as risk aversion remained in play. Japan's trade balance turned out better than expected at 0.68T JPY versus the projected 0.55T JPY surplus. The all industries activity index posted a 0.1% uptick as expected.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

Canada's retail sales reports turned out stronger than expected but the oil-related Loonie was unable to shake of the bearish vibes from oil prices. Even though Russia expressed willingness to cooperate with a potential extension of the output deal until the end of the year, the API report's larger than expected buildup of 4.53 million barrels in stockpiles brought oversupply concerns back in play. New Zealand reported a 1.7% rebound dairy prices during the latest auction but falling iron ore prices hit the Aussie hard. The RBNZ decision is coming up next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way