Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Nov 15, 2016)

There were no reports of out of the US economy yesterday while today has retail sales figures on deck. Headline consumer spending is expected to have increased by 0.6% while core retail sales likely rose by 0.5%. US import prices and the Empire State manufacturing index are also lined up.

EUR

The euro was the weakest performer of the day as the upcoming Italian referendum led several traders to speculate that a change in leadership could expose the country to a vote to leave the region. Euro zone industrial production fell 0.8% versus the projected 0.9% slump. German and Italian preliminary GDP readings are up for release today, along with the French preliminary CPI and the region's flash GDP reading.

GBP

The pound paused from its strong climb, as traders probably trimmed their positions ahead of this week's UK event risks. UK CPI is due today and a rise in the headline figure from 1.0% to 1.1% is expected while the core figure could tick down from 1.5% to 1.4%. BOE Inflation Report hearings are also scheduled today and traders are waiting to hear what policymakers have planned.

CHF

The franc had a mixed performance as it functioned more as a counter currency. Data from Switzerland was weaker than expected as the PPI printed a meager 0.1% uptick versus the estimated 0.2% gain. There are no reports lined up from the Swiss economy today so the franc might be sensitive to market sentiment or country-specific action.

JPY

The yen lost further ground against its peers when risk appetite extended its stay in the markets. There were no reports out of Japan yesterday and none are due today so market sentiment could continue to push yen pairs around.

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls struggled to stay afloat against the dollar but were able to rack up gains against the yen and the euro. Chinese data was mostly weaker than expected, particularly when it comes to retail sales and industrial production. New Zealand has its quarterly retail sales report lined up next and weaker consumer spending data is eyed. The GDT auction is also set to take place and another rise in dairy prices could lift the Kiwi.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way