Investing.com - The dollar was lower against the euro and the yen on Friday after a fresh batch of weak U.S. economic data underlined expectations that the Federal Reserve will delay hiking interest rates until the economy is on a stronger footing.
Data showed that U.S. industrial production fell for the fifth straight month in April and another report showed that U.S. consumer sentiment deteriorated to a seven month low this month.
The Federal Reserve said industrial output slid 0.3% after a revised 0.3% decline in March. Economists had expected an increase of 0.1%.
The University of Michigan's preliminary reading of the consumer sentiment index for May came in at 88.6, down from a final April reading of 95.9 and worse than forecasts for a reading of 96.0
The reports came after disappointing data on retail sales and producer inflation earlier in the week and dampened hopes for a second quarter rebound after a sharp slowdown in growth in the first three months of the year.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was at four-month lows of 93.29 late Friday. The index ended the week down 1.8%. It was fifth consecutive weekly decline, marking the longest period of declines in four years.
The euro ended the week at three-month highs, with EUR/USD up 0.35% to 1.1448 in late trade.
USD/JPY ended at 119.22, off the highs of 119.93 hit earlier in the session ahead of the release of the U.S. data. The pair ended the week down 0.48%.
The commodity linked currencies were broadly lower on Friday, with USD/CAD at 1.2012 in late trade, while AUD/USD slid 0.54% to 0.8038 and NZD/USD lost 0.35% to end at 0.7473.
In the week ahead investors will be turning their attention to Wednesday’s Federal Reserve minutes for clues on the possible timing of a rate increase. Friday’s data on U.S. inflation will also be closely watched.
Meanwhile, the euro zone is to release data on private sector activity and China is to publish preliminary data on manufacturing activity.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, May 18
Japan is to publish a report on core machinery orders.
Switzerland is to release a report on retail sales.
Markets in Canada will be closed for the Patriots day holiday.
Tuesday, May 19
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to publish the minutes of its latest monetary policy meeting, giving investors insight into how officials view the economy and their policy options.
New Zealand is to publish data on inflation expectations.
The U.K. is to release data on consumer price inflation.
In the euro zone, the ZEW Institute is to report on German economic sentiment.
Later Tuesday, the U.S. is to publish data on building permits and housing starts.
Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz is to speak at an event; his comments will be closely watched.
Wednesday, May 20
Japan is to release preliminary data on first quarter economic growth.
Australia is to publish a report on consumer sentiment.
The Bank of England is to publish the minutes of its latest meeting.
Canada is to publish a report on wholesale sales.
The Federal Reserve is to publish the minutes of its most recent monetary policy meeting.
Thursday, May 21
China is to publish preliminary reading of the HSBC manufacturing index.
The euro zone is to publish reports on private sector activity. The ECB is to publish its meeting minutes later in the day.
The U.K. is to produce data on retail sales and industrial order expectations.
The U.S. is to release a string of reports including initial jobless claims, existing home sales and a look at manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region.
Friday, May 22
The Bank of Japan is to announce its monetary policy decision and hold a press conference following the announcement.
In the euro zone, the Ifo Institute is to report on German business climate.
The U.K. is to release data on public sector borrowing.
ECB President Mario Draghi and BoE Governor Mark Carney are both to speak at an event in Portugal; their comments will be closely watched.
Canada is to release data on consumer inflation and retail sales.
The U.S. is to round up the week with a report on consumer inflation.