Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Jan 26, 2015)

Data from the US was also weaker than expected, as the flash manufacturing PMI fell from 53.9 to 53.7 instead of improving to the 54.1 estimate. Existing home sales fell short of the 5.08M consensus and landed at 5.04M, which is still an improvement from the previous 4.98M reading. There are no reports due from the US today, leaving the dollar sensitive to risk flows.

EUR

The euro took a break from its slide last Friday when traders booked some profits off their short positions. Data from the euro zone then was also mixed, with a couple of bright spots in the French flash manufacturing PMI and the German services PMI. However, the Greek parliamentary election held over the weekend showed a victory for the opposition Syriza party, which means that anti-austerity efforts might make it more difficult for the country to secure its next set of aid. German Ifo business climate data is due today and a rise from 105.5 to 106.7 is eyed.

GBP

 The pound consolidated against most of its major counterparts at the end of last week, as UK retail sales posted an upside surprise of a 0.4% gain versus the estimated 0.6% decline. Only the BBA mortgage approvals report is up for release today and it might not have such a lasting impact on pound price action.

CHF

The franc was still in a weak spot on Friday, even though there were no reports released from Switzerland. There are still no reports lined up for today, although the Swiss currency might draw stronger demand compared to the euro, which is facing more fundamental and political uncertainty in Greece.

JPY

 The yen advanced to most of its major counterparts at the end of the week as risk-taking stayed in check. Earlier today, the BOJ released the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which revealed no surprises. No other reports are due from Japan, suggesting that the yen could move to the tune of risk sentiment.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

 The Loonie continued its slide to most of its counterparts on Friday, as data from Canada came in mixed. Core CPI showed a 0.3% decline as expected while the headline CPI printed a worse than projected 0.7% drop. Core retail sales marked a strong 0.7% gain while the headline retail sales also impressed with a 0.4% uptick. There are no reports lined up from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way