Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 15, 2018)

Although CPI data surprised to the upside, the focus was on weaker retail sales data. Headline retail sales slipped 0.3% versus the estimated 0.2% gain while the core reading was flat. Medium-tier reports such as PPI, Empire State manufacturing index, and Philly Fed index are due today.

EUR

The euro had a mixed performance as data also turned out mixed. German preliminary GDP came in line with estimates of a 0.6% expansion while the region's industrial production was stronger than expected at 0.4% versus 0.1%. Only the region's trade balance is lined up today.

GBP

The pound advanced to the dollar but weakened to the yen as there were no major reports providing a clear direction in the latest London session. There are still no major reports lined up today, as the next top-tier release is the UK retail sales on Friday.

CHF

The franc took a break from its rallies as risk-taking was in play in recent sessions. SNB member Zurbrugg gave a couple of speeches during the UK session but didn't really spark a big move for the currency. There are no reports due from Switzerland today.

JPY

The yen was one of the strongest performers as it took advantage of dollar weakness and some risk-off flows. Only the revised industrial production report is due today and no changes from the 2.7% reading are eyed. Apart from that, sentiment and dollar action could push yen pairs around.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie caught a bid thanks to a smaller than expected build of 1.8 million barrels in EIA stockpiles versus the estimated 2.8 million gain. The Aussie and Kiwi continued their ascent, with the former shrugging off weaker than expected underlying jobs data. Headline employment change was at 16K versus the estimated 15.3K increase. Chinese banks are closed for the holiday today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way