Foreign exchange market. American session: the U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies after the release of the mixed U.S. economic data

The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies after the release of the U.S. economic data. U.S. building permits increased to 1.080 million units in April, from 1.000 million units in March. March’s figure was revised up from 0.990 million units. Analysts had expected an increase to 1.010 million units. That was the highest level since 2008.

U.S. housing starts rose to 1.072 million units in April, from 0.947 million in March. March’s figure was revised up from 0.946 million units. Analysts had forecasted an increase to 0.980 million units. That was the best figure since November 2013

The preliminary Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index dropped to 81.8 in May, from 84.1 in April. Analysts had expected an increase to 84.7.

The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar. The weak GDP growth in the Eurozone continued to weigh on the euro. The new stimulus measures by ECB in June are more likely after the release of several weak economic data in the Eurozone.

Eurozone’s trade balance surplus climbed to 15.2 billion euro in March, from 15.0 in March. Analysts had expected an increase to 17.3.

But the sale of Eurozone’s peripheral government bonds also had a negative impact on the euro. Market participants sold Eurozone’s peripheral government bonds amid speculation the region’s economy remains weak.

The British pound traded higher against the U.S. dollar due to mixed U.S. economic data. No economic data was published in the U.K.

The Canadian dollar traded little changed against the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities purchases’ figure was released in Canada. Foreign securities purchases decreased by C$1.23 billion in March, after a C$6.07 billion in increase in February. February’s figure was revised down from a C$6.08 billion rise. Analysts had expected a gain by C$7.21 billion.

The New Zealand dollar traded little changed against the U.S. dollar. Investors continue to back the U.S. dollar. No economic data was published in New Zealand.

The Australian dollar traded higher against the U.S. dollar. No economic data was published in Australia.