Session Recap: USD firmer ahead of key data this week

FXstreet.com (Córdoba) - The USD traded a touch firmer versus major competitors Wednesday ahead of key economic data later this week, including the US GDP and the Government employment report, which investors will be closely watching for clues about when the Fed will start scaling back its monetary stimulus.

The EUR/USD traded little changed around 1.3585, while the USD/JPY was flat around 102.45 after peaking at 102.83. The GBP/USD fell to a weekly low of 1.6325 following disappointing UK services PMI. The AUD is among the worst performers across the board, losing 1.3% at 0.9020, weighed by weak Australian GDP figures and disappointing Chinese services PMI.

During the NY session watch for US ADP jobs report, trade deficit, new home sales and ISM services PMI.

Main Headlines in Europe:

Switzerland: Annual Industrial Production drops 2.3% in Q3

Germany: PMI Services rises to 55.7 in November

EMU: Services PMI slides to 51.2 in November

UK: Services PMI dips to 60 in November

EMU: Annual GDP falls 0.4% in Q3, as expected

EMU: Annual Retail Sales drop 0.1% in October


European Commission fines eight banks for fixing rates