USD Dollar (USD)




The Dollar traded with a narrow range versus most majors as mixed data was released in the US. The initial Jobless claims rose by 17K coming at 474K but the trade balance deficit in the U.S. unexpectedly narrowed in October to -32.9B as rebounding economies overseas and a weaker dollar pushed exports up for a sixth consecutive month. NASDAQ and Dow Jones rose by 0.33% and 0.67% respectively, following the trade balance. Crude oil decreased by 0.2% closing at 70.54$ a barrel. The oil traded the first time this month below 70$. Gold (XAU) rose by 0.5% closing at 1125.7$ an ounce. Today, Retail Sales is expected at 0.6% vs. 1.4% previously and Michigan Consumer Sentiment is expected at 69.1 vs. 67.4.

EURO (EUR)




The Euro rose slightly versus the Dollar after European Central Bank President Jean- Claude Trichet said he will withdraw stimulus measures in a faster pace than economists anticipated, clearing the way for higher interest rate next year. Overall, EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.4682 and with a high of 1.4760. Today, ECB President Trichet Speaks.

EUR/USD - Last: 1.4725





British Pound (GBP)




The Pound stayed almost unchanged versus the Dollar and the Euro after The Bank of England stuck to its plan to buy as much as 200 billion pounds in bonds and held the interest rate at a record low of 0.5%. Overall, GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.6213 and with a high of 1.6346. Today, PPI Input is expected at 0.6% vs. 2.6% prior.

GBP/USD - Last: 1.6312




Japanese Yen (JPY)




The Yen declined against the Dollar and Euro, as U.S. continuing claims for unemployment benefits fell to a nine-month low, encouraging demand for higher-yielding assets. Overall, USD/JPY traded with a low of 87.73 and with a high of 88.45.No important data is expected today.

USD/JPY-Last: 88.70





Canadian dollar (CAD)




The Canadian Dollar strengthened for a second day versus the Dollar, touching the strongest level this week as stocks gained and the nation unexpectedly posted a trade surplus. Trade Balance came out better than expected at 0.4B vs. -0.6B forecast. Overall, USD/CAD traded with a low of 1.0478 and with a high of 1.0582. Today, NHPI the previous data came out at 0.5%.

CAD/USD - Last: 1.0512




UFX Bank Research