USD

On Thursday, the Greenback drifted lower vs. a basket of major currencies, reversing the modest gains that followed the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep rates steady as widely expected. Today, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Jerome Powell as the next central bank chief, putting his own stamp on the leadership of the U.S. central bank while signaling continuity on monetary policy. Meanwhile, the release of House Republicans' tax reform bill will also be in the spotlight.

Also on the economic calendar for Thursday, markets are awaiting the U.S. Initial Jobless Claims.

• The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was down 0.32% at 94.508.

EUR

Against the Euro, the USD fell to $ 1.1659 down by 0.34%. On the release front, markets are awaiting German Unemployment Change, which expected to hit -10k from -23k.  

GBP

The sterling pound rose as much as 0.16% to settle at $1.3266 vs. the Greenback, with markets focusing on the BOE’s policy decision as the BoE is widely expected to hike interest rates for the first time since July 2007.

JPY

The U.S. pulled back from a 3-1/2-month high vs. the JPY, sagging ahead of a U.S. tax bill that could be unveiled after a one-day delay. The Greenback was down by 0.29% at ¥113.84. No reports are due from Japan today. 

Gold

Gold hits one-week high, positively affected by a weaker dollar in the short term, after the U.S. Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged yesterday. Additionally, traders will also be searching for clues on who might be the next Fed chair.Gold Futures - Dec 17 (GCZ7) was up 0.19% at $1,279.69.

Oil

Oil prices settled as U.S. crude inventories declined despite a hike in production. Data on Wednesday showed that U.S. commercial crude oil inventories declined by 2.4 million barrels in the week to October 27 to 454.9 million barrels.

Crude Oil WTI Futures - Dec 17 (CLZ7) rose as much as 0.6%, to settle at $54.33 and Brent Oil Futures - Jan 18 rose as much as 0.18% at $60.60.

Economic Calendar (all times in GMT)

• EUR German Unemployment Change (000's) (OCT): (GMT 08:55) – important – forecast (-10k) – Previous (-23k).
• EUR German Unemployment Claims Rate s.a. (OCT): (GMT 08:55) – important – forecast (5.6%) – Previous (5.6%).
• GBP Bank of England Inflation Report: (GMT 12:00) – important
• USD US President Donald Trump Names Next Federal Reserve Chair: (GMT 19:00) – important

Disclaimer
The prices and news mentioned in this outlook are absolutely no guarantee of future market performance and do not represent the view of ICM Capital Limited. Financial markets can move in either direction causing profits to be made or complete losses to be incurred by the trader. Each trader must decide for themselves what their risk appetite is and ensure that correct risk management procedures are in place before placing any trades.