Foreign exchange market. Asian session: the dollar edged up

Economic calendar (GMT0):

Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual

00:50 U.S. Personal spending November 0.0% Revised From 0.0% 0.3% 0.3%

The U.S. dollar climbed against the euro on U.S. personal spending data. The corresponding index rose by 0.3% ($40.2 billion) in November compared to October. The reading was in line with expectations. The data were published early this time (00:50 GMT instead of 13:30 GMT). The full report including inflation and income indicators will be released at the usual time.

Trading is not expected to be dynamic this week. At the same time many traders have already closed their positions ahead of the end of the year, which increases market volatility. On Thursday, December 24, markets in Germany and Italy will be closed. On December 25 markets in other European countries as well as in Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand will be on holiday.

The New Zealand dollar slightly rose on trade balance data. The deficit came in at -NZ$779 million in November, while analysts had expected the deficit to expand to -NZ$900 million. Exports rose to $4.08 billion compared to $3.83 reported previously and $3.9 billion expected. Imports rose too and came in at $4.86 billion versus $4.75 billion expected.

EUR/USD: the pair fluctuated within $1.0930-50 in Asian trade

USD/JPY: the pair traded within Y120.95-15

GBP/USD: the pair rose to $1.4850

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

07:45 France GDP, q/q (Finally) Quarter III 0.0% 0.3%

07:45 France GDP, Y/Y (Finally) Quarter III 1.1% 1.2%

08:00 Switzerland KOF Leading Indicator December 97.9 99.1

09:30 United Kingdom Current account, bln Quarter III -16.8 -21.5

09:30 United Kingdom GDP, q/q (Finally) Quarter III 0.7% 0.5%

09:30 United Kingdom GDP, y/y (Finally) Quarter III 2.4% 2.3%

12:00 U.S. MBA Mortgage Applications December -1.1%

13:30 Canada Retail Sales, m/m October -0.5% 0.4%

13:30 Canada Retail Sales YoY October 1.2%

13:30 Canada Retail Sales ex Autos, m/m October -0.5% 0.4%

13:30 Canada GDP (m/m) October -0.5% 0.2%

13:30 U.S. Durable Goods Orders November 3.0% -0.6%

13:30 U.S. Durable Goods Orders ex Transportation November 0.5% 0.0%

13:30 U.S. Durable goods orders ex defense 3.2% -0.2%

13:30 U.S. Personal Income, m/m November 0.4% 0.2%

13:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, m/m November 0.0% 0.1%

13:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, Y/Y November 1.3% 1.4%

15:00 U.S. Reuters/Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (Finally) December 91.3 92

15:00 U.S. New Home Sales November 495 505

15:30 U.S. Crude Oil Inventories December 4.801 1.5

23:50 Japan Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes