Forex Major Currencies Outlook (May 26, 2016)

Data from the US economy was weaker than expected yesterday, as the flash services PMI fell from 52.8 to 51.2 instead of improving to the projected 53.1 figure. US durable goods orders data is due today, with the headline and core figures expected to post 0.3% gains. Initial jobless claims data is also due and a 275K reading is expected.

EUR

The euro had a mixed performance as it recovered to the dollar but lost ground to the yen, pound, and comdolls. Data from the euro zone came in stronger than expected, as the German Ifo business climate index rose from 106.7 to 107.7 versus expectations at 106.9. Only the Italian retail sales report is due today. 

GBP 

The pound chalked up yet another winning day as the lack of top-tier data left traders focused on Brexit updates. For today, the second GDP estimate is due and no changes from the 0.4% initial figure is eyed. Preliminary business investment data is also due and a 3.2% rebound is eyed. 

CHF

The franc was mostly weaker against its peers, despite improvements in Swiss data. The UBS consumption indicator climbed from 1.40 to 1.47 while the ZEW economic expectations index rose from 11.5 to 17.5. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY

The yen resumed its climb in the late US session and early Asian session but appears to be losing ground again. There are no economic reports lined up from Japan today so risk sentiment could continue to push yen pairs around.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Canadian dollar recovered against its peers when the BOC refrained from cutting interest rates. In fact, the Canadian central bank gave a relatively neutral statement even as the economy is facing plenty of challenges. Earlier today, Australia reported a 5.2% slump in private capital expenditure for the first quarter, reminding traders that another RBA cut could be possible. New Zealand is set to print its annual budget today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way