Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Dec 1, 2015)

Data from the US economy came in weaker than expected, with both the Chicago PMI and pending home sales report falling short of consensus. Up ahead, the US ISM manufacturing PMI is up for release and a climb from 50.1 to 50.6 is eyed. Traders are also likely to pay close attention to the employment sub-index for more clues on the upcoming NFP.

EUR

The euro resumed its slide to its peers, as data from the euro zone turned out to be a disappointment again. German retail sales slumped 0.4% while the Italian preliminary CPI posted a larger than expected 0.4% drop. The German unemployment change report and Spanish manufacturing PMI numbers are up for release today and another round of downbeat figures could mean more losses for the shared currency.

GBP

The pound managed to hold its ground against most of its rivals, as medium-tier UK data came in mostly in line with expectations. Top-tier events such as the release of bank stress test results and the BOE Financial Stability Report could have a larger impact on pound price action today.

CHF

The franc managed to erase some of its losses even though Swiss data came in weaker than expected. The KOF economic barometer slid from 100.4 to 97.9, worse than the estimated dip to 100.3. The Swiss Q3 GDP report is due today and another 0.2% expansion is eyed.

JPY

The yen lost a lot of ground to its peers as reports from Japan came in mixed and BOJ Governor Kuroda insisted that additional stimulus isn't necessary. Japanese retail sales rose 1.8% while the preliminary industrial production report printed a lower than expected 1.4% gain. Capital spending data and the final manufacturing PMI for November are due today.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls made a lot of headway against their forex rivals, as traders appear to be pricing positive expectations for this week's top-tier events such as the OPEC meeting, Chinese PMI releases, and the New Zealand dairy auction. The ANZ business confidence index in New Zealand improved from 10.5 to 14.6 while Canada saw a smaller current account deficit. Some improvements are expected for the Chinese PMI readings and another upbeat statement is expected from the RBA next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way