Will the US achieve better economic data?

We experienced additional US dollar movement on Friday, mainly dictated by sterling in the morning as well as the positive US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures in the afternoon, the latter an indicator of inflation.

This week looks set to be busier as it progresses, with minimal data releases on Monday and Tuesday, and a small decrease in consumer confidence expected on Tuesday. Durable Goods Orders and the weekly unemployment claims are due for release on Thursday, with both expecting to post better-than-expected figures.

Investors will be keeping a keen eye on Friday however, with preliminary growth figures, as well as figures on Personal Spending and Personal Income. The latter two are both expected to have improved from the previous month’s figures, with Personal Spending due to fall more in line with income. However, given the recent spate of discouraging news from the US, any disappointments in data levels could potentially cause the US dollar to weaken.