Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Dec 28, 2017)

Pending home sales posted a higher than expected 0.2% gain while the CB consumer confidence reading fell short of estimates. The index slipped from 128.6 to 122.1 versus the estimated 128.2 figure to reflect weaker optimism. Initial jobless claims, Chicago PMI, and preliminary wholesale inventories data are lined up next. 

EUR 

The euro advanced to the dollar but continued to slide against commodity currencies. There were no major reports out of the euro zone yesterday while today has the ECB Economic Bulletin due.  

GBP 

The pound ticked slightly higher to the dollar and yen but was also weaker against the comdolls. There were no reports out of the UK economy then while today has the High Street lending numbers due. A higher than expected read could be indicative of consumer confidence. 

CHF 

The franc had a mixed performance as it advanced to the dollar, consolidated against the yen and European currencies, then turned lower against the comdolls. The Swiss UBS consumption indicator ticked down from 1.68 to 1.67 and there are no major reports due today. 

JPY

The yen reacted mostly to currency-specific factors on the lack of top-tier data earlier in the day. Freshly released are stronger than expected industrial production, which rose 0.6% versus 0.5%, and retail sales data, which posted a higher 2.2% gain versus the 1.1% consensus. BOJ core CPI is lined up next. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD) 

The comdolls were the big winners for the day, particularly the Loonie which got a boost from higher crude oil prices. There were no reports out of the Australian or New Zealand economy. The US EIA crude oil inventories data is due next and a draw of 3.5 million barrels is expected. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way