Forex Major Currencies Outlook (May 19, 2017)

Initial jobless claims landed at 232K versus the 240K consensus while the Philly Fed index posted a surprise gain from 22.0 to 38.8. 

EUR

The euro was either stuck in consolidation or reacting to currency-specific events since their were no major reports out of the region yesterday. The ECB meeting minutes contained a few cautious remarks but the recent upside surprises in data points kept the shared currency afloat. German PPI and euro zone current account balance are due today.

GBP

The pound had a volatile run as it enjoyed a strong boost from impressive UK retail sales data then returned its gains and more later in the day. Consumer spending rebounded by 2.3% in April versus the projected 1.2% gain while the previous reading was upgraded from an initially reported 1.8% drop to a smaller 1.4% decline. Only the CBI industrial order expectations index is due today.

CHF

The franc paused from its recent climb as risk appetite appeared to return to the markets. There were no major reports out of Switzerland yesterday and none are due today so the Swiss currency could stay sensitive to risk flows.

JPY

The yen gave back some ground to the dollar when US equities and bond yields recovered. There were no major reports out of Japan recently so the lower-yielding currency is also reacting to risk sentiment and could continue to do so for the rest of the trading week.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls tossed and turned on account of changes in market sentiment. Australian employment change rose by 37.4K versus the 4.5K consensus while the jobless rate improved from 5.9% to 5.7%. Canadian foreign securities purchases came in below expectations while credit card spending and visitor arrivals in New Zealand increased at a faster pace. Canadian CPI and retail sales figures are due next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way