Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Dec 06, 2016)

The reading rose from 54.8 to 57.2, higher than the consensus at 55.3. The labor market conditions index also improved from 1.4 to 1.5. US trade balance and factory orders data are up for release today. 

EUR

The euro was off to a dismal start but made an impressive comeback as political and fiscal fears eased. Italian PM Renzi was set to step down after the referendum results were released but the President advised him to delay his resignation until the budget is passed. In Greece, there are talks of debt restructuring as the country made progress in its fiscal and economic reforms. Euro zone retail sales beat expectations with a 1.1% gain while final services PMI readings were mixed. German factory orders are due today and a 0.6% rebound is eyed.

GBP 

The pound was able to hold on to its gains as the UK services PMI beat expectations. The reading rose from 54.5 to 55.2 instead of dropping to the estimated 54.2 reading. There are no major reports lined up from the UK economy today so Brexit-related headlines could drive pound action from here.

CHF

The franc regained ground to the dollar but was still no match to euro or pound strength. There were no reports out of the Swiss economy yesterday while today has the CPI on tap. A drop of 0.1% in price levels is eyed but a weaker than expected read could spur more weakness for the Swiss currency. 

JPY

Yen pairs filled the gaps over the weekend as the Japanese currency resumed its slide to its counterparts. The consumer confidence index slipped from 42.3 to 40.9 instead of improving to the estimated 43.8 figure while average earnings posted a lower than expected 0.1% uptick. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Kiwi also rebounded quickly after PM Key announced his resignation as traders turned their attention back to the upcoming events. In Australia, the current account balance posted a smaller than expected deficit and the RBA statement is coming up next. Canada has its trade balance and Ivey PMI on tap while New Zealand will hold its Global Dairy Trade auction in the latter part of the US session.

By Kate Curtis from  Trader's Way