Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Nov 24, 2017)

There were no reports out of the US economy yesterday as markets were closed for the Thanksgiving holidays while today has the flash manufacturing and services PMIs due. Analysts are expecting to see improvements from both industries. 

EUR 

The euro advanced against most of its peers as PMI readings turned out mostly stronger than expected. Only the German flash services PMI disappointed but it still indicated an improvement from the earlier reading. The German Ifo business climate index is due today and a dip from 116.7 to 116.6 is expected. 

GBP 

The pound lagged behind most of its peers despite data coming in line with expectations. The second version of the GDP was unchanged at 0.4% while preliminary business investment showed a slightly weaker than expected 0.2% gain versus the projected 0.3% uptick. CBI realized sales jumped from -36 to +26 but an index of consumer confidence measured by YouGov slumped to its lowest post-Brexit level. High Street lending data is due next. 

CHF 

The franc was able to hold its ground even though SNB head Jordan stepped up to the podium. Instead of jawboning the franc like he usually does, he did have a couple of warnings on the high current account surplus. Although he clarified that this doesn't necessarily relate to currency movements, franc bulls seemed more comfortable buying up the currency afterwards. 

JPY 

The yen took advantage of dollar weakness once more but at a slightly slower pace as risk appetite was present. Japan's flash manufacturing PMI also turned out stronger than expected at 53.8 versus 52.6. There are no reports due from Japan today so the yen could take its cue from market sentiment. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The Aussie and Kiwi enjoyed some support during the risk-on sessions but the Kiwi gave up some ground upon seeing downbeat trade balance data. The deficit narrowed to 871 million NZD but was still larger than the projected 750 million NZD figure. The Loonie was bogged down by weaker than expected retail sales figures, preventing it from enjoying crude oil rallies. There are no other reports due from the comdoll economies for the rest of the day. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way