Dollar Declines and Euro gains

USD

On Monday, the Greenback declined vs. a basket of major currencies, despite the latest U.S. jobs report showed that jobs growth remained strong as the U.S. economy added the biggest number of jobs in February, the most since July 2016, but wage growth slowed, tempering anticipations for a faster pace of rate rises during the year.  on the release front, traders are awaiting the U.S. Monthly Budget Statement, which is expected to hit -$216.0b from -$192.0b.

• The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was down by 0.08% at 90.04.

EUR

The Single currency rose as much as 0.15% vs. the U.S. dollar to settle at $1.2326 as Friday's strong US jobs report receding worries over a trade war helped a rebound in risk appetite.

GBP

The Single currencies rose slightly by 0.04%, vs. the Greenback to settle at $1.3859. No major reports are due from the UK today.

JPY

Against the JPY, the USD fell by 0.25%, to settle at ¥106.54. No major reports are due from Japan today.

Gold

Early on Monday, Gold prices fell slightly; however the Greenback mildly declined after broadly strengthening thanks to Friday's strong US jobs report. In terms of data, the U.S. economy added the strongest pace in a year and a half in February, with non-farm payrolls jumping by 313k jobs in the previous month. Gold Futures - Apr 18 (GCJ8), fell by 0.35%, to settle at $1,319.40.

Oil

Oil prices failed to manage its gains and declined, amid strong anticipations that U.S. output could increase this year, despite a slowdown in rig drilling activity. Meanwhile, the United States has become the world's number two crude oil producer, ahead of top exporter Saudi Arabia. Crude Oil WTI Futures - Crude Oil WTI Futures - Apr 18 (CLJ8) fell as much as 0.68%, to settle at $61.62, and Brent Oil Futures - May 18 (LCOK8) was down by 0.24% at $64.97.

The most important economic events:

• USD Monthly Budget Statement (Feb): (GMT 18:00) – Medium – Forecast (-$216.0b) – Previous (-$192.0b).

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.