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Last updated on December 1st, 2025
  Written by 
Sam Eder

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Sam Eder
Sam is the cofounder and CEO of MarketMates. He has worked for brokers since 2008 and is the author of the Amazon best-seller 'The Consistent Trader.' His 'Advanced Forex Course for Smart Traders' has over 45,000 students.
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Bank Desk FX Weekly 1 December 25

This week’s FX report shows the USD losing momentum as US data softens, while EUR and GBP hold steady and the yen faces rising intervention risk. AUD and NZD gain support from commodities and improving regional data.

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Bank FX views in one page, covering the key drivers, clear bias by pair, and the week’s events that move markets.

USD

Scotiabank notes the USD is softening as US data weakens, with retail sales, consumer confidence and labour market indicators showing loss of momentum. Danske Bank highlights that markets now price a high chance of a December Fed cut as growth slows and inflation stabilises. Barclays adds that the Beige Book shows softer consumer activity and weaker hiring appetite. Overall, banks agree the USD is losing some of its carry appeal as data cools. Traders should watch for more downside pressure if ISM and labour data remain soft.

EURUSD

Danske Bank says Eurozone inflation surprised slightly lower, especially in services, but not enough to change the ECB stance. Barclays points out the ECB tone remains firmly on hold through 2026 with little appetite for cuts. Germany’s sticky inflation report shows mixed signals, but growth remains weak. Marc to Market highlights that EUR continues to benefit from broad USD softness. The pair is still driven by US data more than Europe, but sentiment favours slight EUR upside near term.

GBPUSD

Danske Bank explains that the UK Autumn Budget tightened fiscal settings more than markets expected, giving GBP a lift. The lack of VAT hikes also opens the door for earlier BoE easing, with markets now pricing a high chance of a December cut. Barclays notes UK activity is still sluggish and wage growth is cooling. Scotiabank says GBPUSD trades mostly as a USD story in the short term, but domestic fundamentals remain heavy. Upside is limited unless risk sentiment improves.

USDJPY

Westpac highlights Tokyo CPI staying near 2.7 to 2.8 percent, keeping the BoJ on track for another rate increase. Barclays notes Japanese officials signal greater readiness for yen intervention even before 160, which is a key shift. Danske Bank shows JPY is still the weakest G10 funding currency but the rate gap should narrow in 2026. Traders should expect choppy price action. Any hint of US downturn or BoJ hawkish tone could give the yen a sharp rally.

AUDUSD

Westpac says Australia’s October CPI beat to the upside but was driven mostly by administered prices, not demand. They see the inflation pulse as temporary and still expect rate cuts next year. CBA notes the AUD is supported by strong commodity flows and stabilising China PMIs. Barclays adds that AUD remains sensitive to global risk appetite rather than local data. Overall, AUDUSD has a mild upward tilt, but gains depend on China and broad USD weakness.

NZDUSD

Westpac reports the RBNZ cut 25 basis points to 2.25 percent but surprised markets by sounding more confident on the outlook. They see this as the cycle low and expect the next hike only in late 2026. ANZ commodity indices remain soft as dairy prices fall, but Westpac notes stronger retail activity and a pickup in business confidence. Marc to Market still views NZD as undervalued. The tone is mixed, but USD softness is helping support higher levels.

USDCAD

Scotiabank points out CAD is supported by firmer oil prices and expectations that OPEC+ will maintain supply discipline. Barclays notes Canada’s data remains mixed, with weak consumption but firmer investment. CBA adds that CAD still trades mostly on broad USD direction and oil. USDCAD risks lean lower if USD continues to weaken and crude stays bid.

Other Pairs

CHF: Danske Bank says Swiss inflation remains low and SNB policy is stable. CHF strength depends mainly on risk off flows.

CNY: Barclays notes China PMIs should stabilise into year end. Ongoing tariff risks keep CNY capped but not collapsing.

EM FX: Marc to Market highlights that softer USD and firm commodities support selective EM currencies, but liquidity remains thin.

Bias Table

PairBiasKey Drivers
USDMild BearishSofter US data, rising odds of Fed cuts
EURUSDMild BullishUSD softness, stable ECB stance
GBPUSDNeutral to Mild BullishTighter UK fiscal stance, BoE cut risk priced
USDJPYMixedBoJ tightening versus intervention risk and US yields
AUDUSDMild BullishCommodity support, China stabilisation
NZDUSDNeutral to Mild BullishRBNZ on hold, improving data, softer USD
USDCADMild BearishOil support and fading USD strength

Key Event Outlook

United States

ISM manufacturing and services, ADP employment, jobless claims and the delayed September PCE data are in focus. Danske Bank says these will be vital for confirming whether the slowdown is broadening. Weak readings would increase expectations of a December or January Fed cut, putting more pressure on the USD. Fed speakers, including Chair Powell, will be watched for guidance on the timing and size of future cuts.

Eurozone

Eurozone CPI, unemployment, retail sales and final PMIs are due. Danske Bank says the key is services inflation and wage growth, which remain the main barrier to ECB cuts. Germany’s weak business indicators keep growth concerns alive. Stable data supports EUR modestly, especially if US numbers continue to disappoint.

United Kingdom

PMI updates and construction data arrive alongside ongoing reaction to the Autumn Budget. Danske Bank says the budget gives the BoE cover to ease earlier, but near term direction remains tied to US data. GBP is still very sensitive to risk sentiment and any shift in BoE guidance.

Japan

Tokyo CPI has strengthened the case for a December or early 2026 BoJ hike. Household spending data this week gives more insight into domestic demand. Barclays warns Japan could intervene in FX before USDJPY reaches 160, so traders should monitor official comments and any sudden price action closely.

Australia

Key events include Q3 GDP, trade balance, dwelling approvals and spending data. Westpac sees GDP strengthening and inventories dragging slightly. These releases matter for timing the RBA’s eventual easing cycle. AUD still trades more on China and global commodities than on local data, but strong prints would help support dips.

New Zealand

Building permits, building work, terms of trade and commodity prices are due. Westpac says housing indicators are stabilising and consumer activity is improving. Data should support the view that the RBNZ is on hold at 2.25 percent through 2026, keeping NZD moves more tied to global USD trends.

Canada

Employment data and oil market developments drive CAD this week. Oil remains the key short term catalyst, especially after recent OPEC+ signals. Strong crude prices and any softer US data could pull USDCAD lower as carry and growth expectations shift.

Other / Geopolitics

China PMIs, US tariff headlines and OPEC+ policy remain major global drivers. Banks widely flag that geopolitical risks remain elevated. Any weakness in US growth combined with steady China PMIs will generally favour pro cyclical FX like AUD, NZD and CAD, while risk off shocks would support USD and CHF.

 

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Picture of Sam Eder

Sam Eder

Sam is the cofounder and CEO of MarketMates. He has worked for brokers since 2008 and is the author of the Amazon best-seller 'The Consistent Trader.' His 'Advanced Forex Course for Smart Traders' has over 45,000 students.
Picture of Sam Eder

Sam Eder

Sam is the cofounder and CEO of MarketMates. He has worked for brokers since 2008 and is the author of the Amazon best-seller 'The Consistent Trader.' His 'Advanced Forex Course for Smart Traders' has over 45,000 students.

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