Earlier today, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that U.S. gross domestic product in the first quarter declined for the first time since the first quarter of 2011. Despite this bearish data, the report also showed that consumer spending increased by 3.1%, indicating that economic activity has rebounded. Additionally, the Department of Labor showed in its weekly report that initial claims for jobless benefits in the U.S. last week fell by 27,000 to 300,000, beating expectations for a decline of 9,000. Thanks to these better-than-expected numbers, the U.S. dollar bounced off the session low, pushing the British pound below the 50% Fibonacci retracement once again. Will this decline trigger further deterioration?

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Earlier today, the Confederation of British Industry showed that U.K. retail sales slowed this month, declining to 16.0 from 30.0 in April. In reaction to this disappointing data, the pound dropped to a 2-week low against the U.S. dollar and broke below major support. What’s next? Will we see GBP/USD around 1.6700 in the coming days?

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The euro declined against the U.S. dollar as positive housing and consumer confidence data supported the greenback. Earlier today, the Commerce Department reported that core durable goods orders (without volatile transportation items) increase 0.1% in April, missing expectations for a 0.3% increase. Despite this disappointing data, U.S. durable goods orders rose 0.8% in the previous month, beating expectations for a 0.5% fall. Additionally, the Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index rose to 83.0 this month from 81.7 in April, while the Standard & Poor’s/ Case-Shiller house price index rose 12.4% in March from a year earlier, above expectations for a gain of 11.8%. Thanks to these solid numbers, the common currency dropped to its nearest support zone. Will it withstand the selling pressure once again?

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Earlier today the euro extended losses, hitting a fresh over 3-month low against the U.S dollar as yesterday’s disappointing euro zone data continued to weigh. Meanwhile, USD/JPY and USD/CHF moved higher, breaking above important resistance lines. What impact did these moves have on the short-term outlook? Did they weighed on the medium-term picture?

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Earlier today, the Melbourne Institute reported that inflation expectations for the next 12 months rose in April to 4.4% in April (from 4.2% in March), which supported the Aussie. Additionally, positive manufacturing data from Australia's biggest export partner – China pushed the Australian dollar higher against its U.S. counterpart. As a result, AUD/USD climbed above the medium-term support/resistance line. However, in the following hours the pair reversed and declined. What does this show of strength mean for the short-term picture?

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