Forex - USD/CHF weekly outlook: December 26 - 30

Forexpros - The U.S. dollar ended the week almost unchanged against the Swiss franc on Friday, as investors remained jittery amid sustained concerns over the handling of the debt crisis in the euro zone.

USD/CHF hit 0.9242 on Wednesday, the pair’s lowest since December 9; the pair subsequently consolidated at 0.9361 by close of trade on Friday, largely unchanged over the week.

The pair is likely to find support at 0.9242, the low of December 21 and resistance at 0.9477, the high of December 13.

Trading volumes were thin ahead of the Christmas holiday weekend, resulting in quiet trade.

Official data showed on Friday that U.S. home sales rose more-than-expected in November, climbing to 315,000, exceeding expectations for a rise to 313,000.

The report came after data showing that U.S. core durable goods orders also rose-more-than-expected last month, advancing 3.8% from 0.0% the previous month.

The greenback found support on Wednesday after an unprecedented EUR489.19 billion three-year loan by the European Central Bank.

Markets were hoping the move would avoid a credit crunch in the euro zone and help increase bond purchases of indebted euro zone countries. But the heavy demand from 523 European lenders underlined concerns over the scale of the financial crisis in the single currency bloc.

Investors were also jittery after official data showed on Thursday that the U.S. economy grew at a slower rate than initially estimated during the third quarter.

In a report, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said gross domestic product increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.8% during the third quarter. The data primarily reflected a downward revision to personal consumption, which grew 1.6% compared to a previous estimate of 2.3%. Consumer spending typically accounts for nearly 70% of U.S. economic growth.

Meanwhile, a separate report showed that the number of people who filed for unemployment assistance in the U.S. last week fell unexpectedly to the lowest level since April 2008, dropping to 364,000.

In Switzerland, the franc came under pressure after Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf said a panel from the government and the central bank is examining options such as capital controls and negative interest rates to curb the Swissie’s strength.

In the week ahead trading volumes are expected to remain light because many traders have closed books to lock in profit before the end of the year, reducing liquidity in the market and increasing the volatility.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is to release key reports on consumer confidence, jobless claims and home sales.

Ahead of the coming week, Forex Pros has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets. The guide skips Friday, as there are no relevant events on this day.

Monday, December 26

Markets in the U.S. and in Switzerland will be remaining closed for the Boxing Day holiday.

Tuesday, December 27

In Switzerland, UBS bank is to publish its consumption indicator, an important indicator of consumer confidence.

Later Tuesday, the U.S. is to publish industry data on house price inflation, a leading indicator of demand in the housing market. The U.S. is also to release data on consumer confidence and manufacturing activity in Richmond.

Wednesday, December 28

Switzerland’s KOF Economic Institute is to produce its economic barometer, a leading indicator of economic health.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is to release the treasury currency report.

Thursday, December 29

The U.S. is to publish its weekly government report on initial jobless claims, as well as industry data on pending home sales, a leading indicator of economic health. The U.S. is also to release official data on crude oil stockpiles and industry data on business conditions in the Chicago area, a leading indicator of economic health.