Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Feb 22, 2016)

The headline CPI showed a flat reading instead of falling by the projected 0.1% figure while core CPI rose 0.3% versus the projected 0.2% uptick. US flash manufacturing PMI is due today and a dip from 52.4 to 52.3 is eyed.

EUR

The euro gave up ground to most of its forex counterparts as data from the region came in weak. The German PPI revealed a 0.7% drop in producer prices while the region's consumer confidence index slipped from -6 to -9, worse than the projected fall to -7. Flash PMI readings from Germany and France are due today and signs of improvement could still keep the shared currency on its feet.

GBP

The pound staged a strong rally towards the end of the week when UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced that they drafted a deal with the EU. However, this is still up for referendum by June so the pound gapped lower against its counterparts on the increased uncertainty. UK retail sales beat expectations with a 2.3% gain but the previous reading suffered a sharp downgrade. Only the CBI industrial orders expectations data is due today.

CHF

The franc regained a bit of ground on Friday despite the lack of top-tier data from Switzerland. Today has the PPI report due and a 0.2% drop in producer price levels is eyed. 

JPY

The yen regained ground on Friday as traders booked profits off the previous risk rallies. Earlier today, Japan printed a weaker than expected manufacturing PMI of 50.2, worse than the projected fall from 52.3 to 52.0. Risk flows and speculations of additional BOJ easing could continue to push yen pairs around today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls managed to hold their ground in recent sessions since there were no weak reports to weigh them down. Canada's readings came in mixed, with CPI figures printing stronger than expected results and retail sales missing expectations. New Zealand credit card spending rose 8.9%, following the previous 7.4% rise.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way