Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Apr 04, 2017)

Economic data came in line with expectations as the ISM manufacturing PMI fell from 57.7 to 57.2 as expected. The sub-index for prices advanced from 68.0 to 70.5, outpacing the consensus at 68.5, while the employment component also increased. US factory orders and trade balance are due next.

EUR

The euro held on to its current levels as medium-tier reports came in mostly in line with expectations. The region's PPI printed a flat reading while unemployment ticked down from 9.6% to 9.5% as expected. Spanish unemployment change data and euro zone retail sales are due today.

GBP

The pound gave up some ground after the UK manufacturing PMI fell short of expectations. The reading slipped from 54.5 to 54.2 to reflect a slower pace of industry expansion instead of improving to the projected 55.1 figure. Construction PMI is due next and no change to the previous 52.5 figure is eyed.

CHF

The franc had another mixed performance as it reacted mostly to currency-specific events despite stronger than expected data from Switzerland. Retail sales increased by 0.6% year-over-year instead of chalking up the projected 0.8% drop while the previous reading was upgraded. The manufacturing PMI improved from 57.8 to 58.6. There are no reports due from the Swiss economy today.

JPY

The Japanese yen was the big winner of the latter trading sessions as it took advantage of risk-off flows from the terrorist attack in Russia and dollar weakness on lower US bond yields. Japan's Tankan survey printed improvements for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing components, although the former fell short of estimates. The BOJ's core CPI is due next.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie was one of the weaker performers of the day as the BOC Business Outlook Survey failed to give much support. The Aussie also turned lower on downbeat RBA expectations after retail sales turned out weaker than expected. Earlier today, the trade balance printed a larger than expected surplus of 3.57B AUD versus the projected 1.75B AUD surplus. The RBA statement is coming up next.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way