Forex Today: AUD slips on poor Aus trade, EZ CPI, US NFP - Key

Pre-NFP caution gripped the FX today in the Asia session, with the US dollar on the back foot across the board. More so, the fresh North Korean headlines weighed down on the risk sentiment. However, towards the Asia close, a recovery in risk appetite was witnessed, with the Asian equities extending gains, in turn, pushing the USD/JPY pair back towards the 113 handle. Meanwhile, the Aussie remained on the defensive, as downbeat Aus trade data continued to weigh. The Kiwi defended minor bids while Cable advanced further towards 1.3580 levels.

Main topics in Asia

North Korea is said to be preparing for a rocket test launch

Reuters posted the reports coming out after viewing the satellite imagery that showed that North Korea is preparing for a test of a rocket engine at one of its sites.

N. Korea and S. Korea set January 9 for talks

Reuters reports the latest updates surrounding the Korean peninsula, citing that the North Korea and South Korea will speak on January 9th on Winter Olympics and other matters.

Australia's trade balance shrinks unexpectedly in November

Australia's trade balance for Nov came in at -628 million vs 915 million exp and 105 million last. Exports stood at 0% m/m, while imports were UP 1% m/m.

Japan’s Aso: Sales tax needs to be raised for fiscal consolidation

Reuters reports comments from the Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso, as speaks to the local media on the sales tax hike, budget and other matters.

Key Focus ahead

The European calendar is quite eventful on the final trading day of this week, with the German retail sales release to pave the way for the Eurozone retail PMI and flash CPI estimate, which is expected to soften a bid in December.

Meanwhile, the labor market report and trade data from both the US and Canada are likely to dominate the NA session today. Also, of note will be the US ISM services PMI and Canadian Ivey PMI releases. Besides, the speech by the FOMC member Mester will be also closely heard for fresh insights on the US interest rates outlook.

EUR/USD: Bullish consolidation to extend ahead of EZ CPI

Having failed just shy of the 1.2092 2017 high in the US last session, the EUR/USD pair retreated on profit-taking, now extending the overnight side trend, as investors await the Eurozone flash CPI estimate and US payrolls data for fresh trading impetus.

GBP/USD: Further upside still in play ahead of US NFP?

The post-UK services PMI-led rally extended into Asia, with the bulls sending GBP/USD to daily highs of 1.3567, before easing slightly to enter a phase of consolidation near 1.3560 region.

NFP Preview: Could a strong US jobs report help boost the struggling dollar?

The official US jobs data for December will be reported on Friday morning by the US Department of Labor, and consensus expectations are pointing to a likely continuation of the strong job creation that prevailed through much of last year.