The Japanese Yen outperformed during the American session, boosted by the decline in Treasury yields. USD/JPY fell below 142.00, approaching December lows. Japanese data due on Thursday includes Industrial Production and Retail Sales figures for November.
Another day in an unusual week. During the Asian session, Japanese data is due, including Industrial Production and Retail Trade. The key report of the day will be the weekly US Jobless Claims.
EUR/USD reached levels above 1.1100 for the first time in five months, boosted by broad-based Dollar weakness. EUR/GBP hit monthly highs slightly below 0.8700 but then pulled back.
Data released on Wednesday showed the Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index dropping to -11 in December, worse than the market consensus of -7. Shipments fell from -8 to -17, new orders decreased from -5 to -14, and employment edged down from 0 to -1. On Thursday, the weekly Jobless Claims report is due, along with trade figures and the November Pending Home Sales report.
Gold was headed toward a record close above $2,070, rising for the fourth consecutive trading day. The bias remains to the upside. Silver failed to follow Gold and closed flat around $24.25.