Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Dec 17, 2015)

Although they downgraded their PCE inflation estimates for next year, Fed head Yellen still showed confidence in US fundamentals. In terms of data, industrial production, capacity utilization, and the flash manufacturing PMI all missed expectations. The Philly Fed index, initial jobless claims, and current account balance are up for release next.

EUR

Data from the euro zone came in mostly in line with expectations, as some figures even surprised to the upside. France printed a higher than expected manufacturing PMI but its services PMI missed the mark. Meanwhile the euro zone final CPI reading enjoyed an upgrade from 0.1% to 0.2%. The German Ifo business climate index is due today and a rise from 109.0 to 109.2 is eyed. 

GBP 

The pound was in a weak spot when the UK jobs report came in mostly weaker than expected. Even though the jobless rate dropped to new lows at 5.2%, claimants rose by 3.9K versus 0.9K while the average earnings index fell from 3.0% to 2.4% versus the projected 2.5% reading. Up ahead, the retail sales report is slated to show a 0.6% rebound.

CHF

The franc moved mostly sideways throughout the day as traders waited for the FOMC announcement. Data from Switzerland showed an improvement as the ZEW economic expectations index rose from 0.0 to 16.6. SECO economic forecasts are up for release today. 

JPY

The yen continued to give up some of its recent wins when risk appetite returned to the markets. Japan's flash manufacturing PMI dipped from 52.6 to 52.5, which still indicated an industry expansion. Japan's trade balance is due today and the BOJ monetary policy statement is lined up for Friday. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The Loonie chalked up another round of losses when oil prices resumed their slide. US crude oil inventories rose by 4.6 million barrels instead of showing the estimated drop of 0.3 million barrels. Data from Canada was actually better than expected as foreign securities purchases picked up. New Zealand's GDP came in at 0.9% for Q3, higher than the previous 0.4% growth figure. 

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way