Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 29, 2017)

The CB consumer confidence index rose from 116.1 to 125.6 - its highest reading in more than 16 years. The Richmond manufacturing index also turned out higher than consensus as it rose from 17 to 22 instead of dipping to 16. Aside from that, Republicans have emphasized that they will continue to pursue healthcare reform, reviving market confidence in the Trump administration's plans. FOMC member Evans has a speech today and the US pending home sales report is due.

EUR

The euro gave up some ground as traders are now feeling the jitters ahead of the official start of the Brexit process. There were no reports out of the euro zone yesterday and only the German import prices figure is lined up today. Market watchers are likely to pay closer attention to the goings-on in the EU and overall market sentiment as clues on where to take the euro next.

GBP

The pound dropped sharply in the latter part of the London session and throughout the US session as traders are liquidating their positions to prepare for Brexit risks. A few statements and press conferences are lined up after UK PM May officially invokes Article 50 so there's a chance for big spikes in either direction. UK net lending to individuals and BBA mortgage approvals are also due today.

CHF

The franc was mostly weaker against its counterparts, except against the British pound. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy yesterday but SNB member Maechler had some jawboning remarks. Credit Suisse economic expectations for the Swiss economy are due today.

JPY

The yen was able to hold on to some of its recent gains as risk aversion stayed in play. There were no reports out of Japan yesterday while today's retail sales report printed a meager 0.1% uptick versus the projected 0.7% gain. Still, market sentiment could be the main driver for yen pairs today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls were able to advance against European currencies but were still mostly weaker to the dollar and yen. BOC Governor Poloz didn't have any reassuring remarks for the Canadian economy as he mentioned that downside risks remain. US EIA crude oil inventories data is due today and a buildup of 1.2 million barrels is expected.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way