Forex Today: Asia holiday-mode to extend into Europe, US retail sales, CPI eyed

A quiet  and eventless affair in Asia on the final trading day of the week, as most Asian markets are closed in observance of Good Friday. As a result, trading activity was largely subdued, with most majors sticking to thin trading ranges amid a cautious risk tone. Meanwhile, traders digest the latest development around US and North Korea.

All eyes now remain on the US retail sales and inflation report for some fresh action, as trading is expected to remain lack-luster as holiday-day mode is likely to extend into Europe.

Main topics in Asia

U.S. to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea if it carries out a nuclear test - NBC

The United States is prepared to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea if it carries out a nuclear test and it would involve the use of conventional weapons, NBC reports, citing U.S. intelligence officials.

Pentagon Spokeswoman – Commanders always considering full range of options

Japan government protest Chinese ships entering its waters - NHK

Japan’s national broadcaster NHK reports that the Japanese government protest Chinese ships entering its waters.

N. Korea Foreign Min: Will conduct next nuclear test whenever supreme headquarters sees fit

The Associated Press reports the following comments from the North Korean foreign minister, via Tweeter.

Key Focus ahead

EUR/USD nears 100-DMA hurdle, eyes US CPI data

EUR/USD neared 100-DMA level of 1.0626 in a holiday thinned trade in Asia with traders eyeing the US CPI and Retail Sales figure.

USD Weaker on Geopolitics Ahead of US Inflation and Retail Sales

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the core CPI (removing the volatile energy and food components) on Friday, April 14 at 8:30 am EST (12:30 pm GMT).