The U.S. dollar index rose above the 104.00 mark in early trading and then fell sharply to a low of 103.00. U.S. economic events will be busy on March 21, with the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index and the S&P Global Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index in addition to the usual U.S. jobless claims last week. In addition, the Conference Board leading index will also be released, followed by existing home sales and Fed official Barr will speak.
EUR/USD managed to rise to multi-day highs on the back of the USD pullback, breaking above the 1.0900 mark. Preliminary HCOB manufacturing and services PMI values will be released on March 21.
GBP/USD has moved further higher on the back of a weaker US dollar and remains within striking distance of the key 1.2800 mark. In the UK, the Bank of England (BOE) will hold a meeting and announce the preliminary values of the S&P Global Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers Index.
USD/JPY rose to levels last seen in mid-November around 151.80 as investors continued to assess the Bank of Japan’s latest meeting. On the data front, Japan will release the Reuters Tankan Index and trade balance results on March 21.
AUD/USD resumed its gains ahead of key data on Thursday, snapping a four-session losing streak. In terms of Australian economic data, the Judo Bank Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index will be released within the day, as well as the labor market report and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s consumer inflation expectations.
WTI oil prices retreated from recent highs and fell below the $81.00 per barrel mark despite continued concerns over crude supply and a sell-off in the U.S. dollar.
Gold prices have surged higher and are back above the $2,180 area following a pullback in U.S. bond yields and a plunge in the dollar. Silver prices rose strongly and tested highs from early December near $25.60.