Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Mar 19, 2015)

Although the FOMC removed the “can be patient” phrase in discussing policy normalization, they also downgraded growth and inflation forecasts. This led market watchers to delay their rate hike forecasts from June to September. US initial jobless claims and Philly Fed index are up for release today but this might provide little direction for the dollar while traders continue to make sense of the latest FOMC announcement.

EUR

The euro took advantage of dollar weakness and rallied in yesterday’s US session, even though there were no actual catalysts from the euro zone. There are still no major reports lined up from the region today, as the shared currency could take its cue from risk sentiment.

GBP

The pound was in a weak spot during the London trading session when the UK jobs release simply came in line with expectations while the jobless rate didn’t budge from 5.7%. The BOE minutes seemed less hawkish than usual, as policymakers still voted unanimously to keep monetary policy unchanged. There are no reports lined up from the UK economy today. 

CHF

The franc could be in for more volatility than usual, as the SNB statement is scheduled today. The Swiss currency managed to rally against the dollar in recent trading but might be forced to give back its gains if the statement sounds dovish. No actual easing or intervention measures are expected though, as the franc has depreciated back to the levels before the SNB removed the currency peg. 

JPY

The yen advanced to the dollar but gave up ground to some of its counterparts in recent trading. There have been no reports released from Japan, leaving the yen to react to other market catalysts and to risk sentiment. There are still no reports due from Japan today. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls rallied on the news that the Fed might not hike rates in June just yet, as this shored up risk appetite. Canadian wholesale sales was worse than expected with a 3.1% decline but the Loonie still managed to advance. Earlier today, New Zealand reported an 0.8% GDP figure for Q4 2014 as expected. There are no reports lined up from the comdoll economies for the rest of the day. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way