Investing.com - The dollar was lower against the euro for the sixth straight session on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s critical policy announcement next week.
Sentiment on the dollar has been hit by concerns that mixed U.S. economic reports and recent volatility in global financial markets will prompt the U.S. central bank to refrain from hiking interest rates on Thursday.
An increase in interest rates would boost the greenback by making it more attractive to yield-seeking investors.
EUR/USD gained 0.51% to trade at 1.1338 late Friday, the most since August 27, extending the week’s gains to 1.64%.
The dollar was also lower against the safe haven Swiss franc, with USD/CHF at 0.9684 late Friday.
The greenback was flat against the yen at 120.6, but the pair ended the week up 1.23%.
The pound and the Australian dollar ended the week with strong gains against the greenback, with GBP/USD up 1.51% to 1.5425 and AUD/USD jumping 2.22% to 0.7090.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was last down 0.37% to 95.2 and ended the week off 1.09%.
A report on Friday showing that consumer sentiment fell sharply in August while producer prices were flat added to the view that the U.S. central bank would hold off on hiking short-term interest rates.
The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 85.7 from 91.9 in July, compared to forecasts of 91.2.
Separately, the Labor Department reported that the producer price index was flat last month after a 0.2% increase in July.
Recent U.S. data has indicated that inflation is still weak, due to low oil prices and the stronger dollar, even as the labor market staged a strong recovery and the economy posted five consecutive quarters of growth.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen has said that an interest rate increase is data dependent but has also indicated that she expects to begin raising rates before the end of the year.
In the week ahead investors will be focusing on Thursday’s Fed policy announcement, but central bank meetings in Switzerland and Japan will also be closely watched.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, September 14
Switzerland is to release data on producer price inflation and retail sales.
Tuesday, September 15
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.
The Bank of Japan is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision.
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.
The U.S. is to publish data on retail sales, industrial production and manufacturing activity in the New York region.
Wednesday, September 16
New Zealand is to publish data on the current account.
The U.K. is to publish the monthly employment report.
The euro zone is to release revised data on consumer price inflation.
Canada is to produce reports on manufacturing sales and foreign securities purchases.
The U.S. is to publish figures on consumer price inflation.
Thursday, September 17
New Zealand is to publish data on second quarter economic growth.
Japan is to publish data on the trade balance.
The Swiss National Bank is to announce its Libor rate and publish its monetary policy assessment.
The U.K. is to publish data on retail sales.
The U.S. is to release reports on jobless claims, building permits and housing starts, and manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region.
Later in the day, the Federal Reserve is to announce its latest monetary policy decision at the conclusion of its two day meeting.
Friday, September 18
RBA Governor Glenn Stevens is to speak at an event in Canberra.
The BoJ is to publish the minutes of its latest monetary policy meeting.
Canada is to round up the week with data on consumer price inflation.