Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Jan 17, 2018)

The Empire State manufacturing index fell from 18.0 to 17.7 instead of improving to 18.5. Today has the industrial production and capacity utilization rates due. FOMC member Mester also has a speech lined up after the release of the Fed Beige Book.

EUR

The euro got hit by reports that German coalition talks once again failed but was able to regain ground when ECB members gave a few more hawkish remarks. The shared currency even shrugged off warnings that currency appreciation could dampen inflation. Final CPI readings are due next.

GBP

The pound was dragged slightly lower by downbeat CPI readings as the headline figure slumped from 3.1% to 3.0% as expected while the core CPI fell below expectations to 2.5%. RPI and HPI both beat expectations, though. There are no major reports due from the UK today but MPC member Saunders has a testimony lined up.

CHF

The franc was one of the top performers of the day as dollar weakness and a bit of risk-off vibes in the earlier sessions spurred demand. SNB head Jordan refrained from jawboning the currency in his latest speech as well. 

JPY

The yen also took a lot of risk-off flows form the dollar despite weaker than expected PPI data. Core machinery orders, on the other hand, beat expectations with a 5.7% jump instead of the estimated 1.3% slide. There are no other reports due from Japan so market sentiment could push yen pairs around.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie was one of the weakest currencies as crude oil slumped from its record highs while traders took some long positions off ahead of the BOC decision. A 0.25% rate hike is eyed but policymakers could stress that they would be cautious about future tightening. In New Zealand, the dairy auction yielded a 4.9% gain in prices while Australia reported a 1.8% gain in its Westpac consumer sentiment index.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way