IForex Daily : May 27, 2014

 | May 27, 2015 05:38AM ET

Following a batch of positive economic reports from the U.S. the dollar surged to new highs against most major currencies yesterday, as the possibility for a U.S. rate hike continues to be supported. The U.S. Commerce Department reported an increase in new home sales by 6.8% last month, compared to expectations for a gain of 5.0%. The Commerce Department also reported that total U.S. durable goods orders, which include transportation items, declined by 0.5% last month, compared to expectations for a drop of 0.4%. However, core durable goods orders, excluding transportation items, increased by 0.5% in April, exceeding expectations for an increase of 0.4%. Consumer confidence data published by the Conference Board reported an increase to 95.4 this month when analysts expected a drop to 94.9 in May. Recent strength in the dollar after indications of economic recovery, is something that hurt commodity prices, and also adds pressure on multinational companies' earnings as it will have a negative impact on exports.

EUR/USD

The euro reached a new monthly low against the dollar on Tuesday, after a batch of solid economic reports from the U.S. which makes a potential U.S. interest rate hike in the coming months even more possible. In addition, continuing fears of a Greek default and an exit from the European Union add further pressure on the single currency which fell to levels below 1.09, it's lowest since April 28. U.S. core durable goods orders together with new home sales and consumer confidence showed signs of improvement. For today, investors will be focusing on the German GfK Consumer Confidence report, while a group of euro zone officials will hold a teleconference on Thursday after the conclusion of several days of talks between Greece and its troika of creditors.