Australian dollar (AUD) drifts higher in quiet trade
The Australian dollar (AUD) strengthened against the majority of its peers yesterday, despite the lack of a clear domestic catalyst for the move.
AUD data was thin on the ground on Monday, while stalling commodity prices should also have limited demand for the Australian dollar.
Today sees the publication of Australia’s latest consumer confidence survey, which could pull the ‘Aussie’ lower this morning if it reports morale continued to deteriorate this month.
New Zealand dollar (NZD) slips in risk-off trade
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) stumbled through Monday’s session as market risk aversion limited demand for the ‘kiwi’.
Movement in NZD will likely remain tied to market risk dynamics today, potentially leading to further weakness if the mood remains downbeat.
Pound (GBP) mixed amid profit-taking
Trade in the pound (GBP) was mixed at the start of this week, with some profit-taking leading Sterling to surrender some of the previous session’s gains.
However, the pullback in GBP remained fairly modest, with the pound drawing some support from an upward revision to its September services PMI.
UK economic data is in short supply today, which will likely leave Sterling to trade without strong directional bias through the coming session.
Euro (EUR) pressured by French debt crisis
The euro (EUR) slid to multi-month lows on Monday amid mounting concern over France’s considerable debt burden.
These concerns continue to be compounded by French political divisions, as the government faces significant opposition to its budget aimed at cutting spending to reduce the deficit.
Expect to see the EUR selling bias be reinforced today, as Germany’s latest industrial data is forecast to report a contraction in factory orders in August.
US dollar (USD) bolstered by safe-haven demand
The US dollar (USD) enjoyed broad support yesterday as market risk aversion underpinned demand for the safe-haven currency.
However, these gains were tempered somewhat later in the session, after the latest US services PMI printed below forecast in September.
Looking ahead, the US dollar is likely to maintain its bullish momentum today if the mood remains cautious.
Canadian dollar (CAD) underpinned by rising oil prices
The Canadian dollar (CAD) edged higher on Monday, supported by a fresh upswing in global oil prices.
The ‘loonie’ may look to extend these gains today if Brent crude continues to strengthen.
Data releases
09:30 AUD Consumer Confidence (Oct)
16:00 EUR German Factory Orders (Aug)