Bell FX: The AUD has opened slightly firmer this morning after losing ground on the back of some weaker than expected Chinese economic numbers

Bell FX: The AUD has opened slightly firmer this morning after losing ground on the back of some weaker than expected Chinese economic numbers. The USD was weaker against most major currencies after a December reading on the US services sector came in below market expectations. The Institute for Supply Management said its services index for December declined to 53% from 53.9% in November, with the new-orders index showing a contraction. Economist on average were expecting a result of 55%. The main focus for markets this week will be the release of US non-farm payrolls for December, the key employment indicator for the US economy. The EUR rose slightly following the data release. Investors in Europe will pay attention to the press conference by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi following their meeting Thursday. Today's Forecast Range USD: 0.8925 - 0.8995