Asian session review: little change on the majors

The euro extended its decline after Friday European Central Bank President Mario Draghi has hinted on the possible extension of the program of quantitative easing.

The yen traded without significant changes, despite the more positive-than-expected data on the trade balance of Japan. As reported today by Japan's Ministry of Finance, the overall trade balance in September amounted to 498.3 billion., Which is higher than the previous value of -18.7 billion and economists forecast of 341.8 billion. Annual exports of goods and services from Japan in September decreased by -6.9%, the weakest figure since March of this year.

Also positive was preliminary data on the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector Nikkei / Markit, which in October was equal to 51.1 points, higher than the previous value of 50.4.

The US dollar rose slightly against most major currencies on growing expectations about a Fed hike due to strong economic data. According to futures on interest rates from the CME, the probability of a hike in December is 70%. A month earlier it was estimated at about 50%.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session the pair fell to $ 1.0860

GBP / USD: during the Asian session the pair fell to $ 1.2185

USD / JPY: during the Asian session, the pair was trading in the Y103.80-00 range