Investing.com - The dollar gained ground against the euro and the yen on Friday as upbeat U.S. economic reports eased concerns over the outlook for the recovery, after a week of volatile trading, fuelled by fears over a slowdown in global growth.
USD/JPY was up 0.53% to 106.88 late Friday, while EUR/USD slid 0.38% to 1.2759.
The US Dollar Index, which tracks the performance of the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was up 0.33% to 85.31, but still ended the week lower, its second consecutive weekly decline.
The greenback was boosted after a report showed that the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index unexpectedly rose to 86.4 in October, the most since July 2007.
Another report showed that housing starts rose more than expected last month, bolstering the outlook for the sector.
The data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in the second half of 2015.
The dollar fell against the other major currencies on Wednesday, touching a one month low against the yen and a three week trough against the euro amid a selloff sparked by fears that slower global growth would act as a drag on the U.S. economy.
Dovish comments by central bank officials on Friday also helped ease investor jitters over slowing growth in major economies.
Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane that rates could remain lower for longer and warned that global economic conditions have worsened.
On Thursday, European Central Bank official Ewald Nowotny said the bank still has leeway for more action to address slowing inflation in the euro area and added that quantitative easing would start as soon as December.
The dollar was also higher against the Swiss franc on Friday, with USD/CHF rising 0.37% to 0.9459. The pound was little changed, with GBP/USD at 1.6092 in late trade.
In the week ahead, China and the U.K. are to release preliminary data on third quarter economic growth, while the euro zone is to release preliminary data on private sector activity.
The U.S. is to release data on consumer inflation, as well as reports on both existing and new home sales.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, October 20
Germany’s Bundesbank is to publish its monthly report.
Canada is to release data on wholesale sales.
Tuesday, October 21
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to publish the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which contain valuable insights into economic conditions from the bank’s perspective.
China is to release what will be closely watched data on third quarter gross domestic product and separate reports on industrial production and fixed asset investment.
Switzerland is to report on the trade balance, the difference in value between imports and exports.
The U.K. is to produce data on public sector borrowing.
The U.S. is to release private sector data on existing home sales.
Wednesday, October 22
Japan is to release a report on the trade balance.
Australia is to publish data on consumer price inflation, which comprises the majority of overall inflation.
The BoE is to release the minutes of its latest policy meeting.
Canada is to release data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.
The U.S. is to produce data on consumer prices.
Later in the day, the Bank of Canada is to announce its overnight rate and publish its rate statement. The announcement is to be followed by a regularly scheduled press conference.
Thursday, October 23
RBA Governor Glenn Stevens is to speak at an event in Sydney; his comments will be closely watched.
New Zealand is to release data on consumer prices.
Australia is to publish private sector data on business confidence.
China is to release the preliminary reading of its HSBC manufacturing index.
The euro zone is to publish preliminary data on private sector activity, while Germany and France are to also to publish data on private sector growth.
The U.K. is to report on retail sales and also release private sector data on mortgage approvals and industrial order expectations.
The U.S. is to publish its weekly report on initial jobless claims.
Friday, October 24
New Zealand is to release data on the trade balance.
The Gfk think tank is to release its report on German business climate.
The U.K. is to release preliminary data on third quarter GDP growth.
The U.S. is to round up the week with a report on new home sales.