Session Recap: USD firmer ahead of FOMC minutes

FXstreet.com (Córdoba) - A relatively lively session was seen in Europe as investors eagerly await the release of the FOMC minutes, looking for cues over the timing the central bank might begin to taper its bond buying program.

The USD is firmer against most major currencies, with the main exception of the GBP, which printed a fresh high on Wednesday, but is facing strong resistance at the 1.5700 level. Meanwhile, the EUR/USD fell back below 1.3400 and has spent the last hours consolidating below that level.

The USD is also gaining versus the safe-haven currencies such as the JPY and the CHF and against commodity currencies while European stocks and US futures are down as cautious prevails ahead of the minutes.

Main Headlines in Europe:

Flash: What’s the sentiment around the EUR/USD today? – Commerzbank and UBS

Flash: Don't expect much from EUR/USD post FOMC - Danske Bank

Commodities generally softer on lingering FOMC uncertainty

Bourses in red as FOMC minutes loom, EUR softer

UK: CBI Industrial Trends Survey at 0 in August

Bond markets eye FOMC, Rupee supported by RBI