Forex Major Currencies Outlook (May 2, 2015)

Data from the US was also mixed, with the core PCE price index and employment cost index coming in line with expectations. The Chicago PMI and revised UoM consumer sentiment figure both fell short. Personal income rose 0.4% while personal spending rose by 0.1% only. The ISM manufacturing PMI is due today and a drop from 51.8 to 51.6 is eyed.

EUR

The euro managed to advance against most of its rivals despite downbeat data from the euro zone. The headline CPI estimate fell from 1.0% to 0.8% versus expectations at 0.9% while the core figure showed a 0.2% decline. However, the preliminary GDP beat expectations at 0.6%. Other medium-tier reports from the region's top economies came in stronger than expected, except for the German retail sales report which showed a 1.1% drop. Final manufacturing PMIs from its top economies are due today. ECB head Draghi has a speech lined up.

GBP

The pound gave up ground to its peers on mostly weaker than expected UK data. Net lending to individuals beat expectations while M4 money supply and mortgage approvals came up short. UK banks are closed for the May Day holiday today.

CHF

The franc lost further ground to the yen but managed to advance to the dollar. The KOF economic barometer fell from 102.8 to 102.7 versus expectations at 102.9. The Swiss manufacturing PMI is due today and a rise from 53.2 to 53.6 is eyed. 

JPY

The yen continued to rally against its forex peers, chalking up another strong set of gains after the BOJ statement the previous day. There were no reports out of Japan on Friday as banks were closed on a holiday then while the final manufacturing PMI is due today. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls had a mixed performance, as the Aussie lagged while the Kiwi advanced. Canada's monthly GDP reading showed a 0.1% contraction for February as expected. Over the weekend, the Chinese official manufacturing PMI showed a drop from 50.2 to 50.1 while the non-manufacturing PMI fell from 53.8 to 53.5. There are no major reports due from the comdoll economies today.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way