Published by Mark Smith-HalvorsenAfter a lull in economic data yesterday (December 2nd), foreign exchange traders will today have a raft of statistics and statements to digest.Forexcrunch.com reports that while a policy statement from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the testimony of Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke will take the limelight, there is a slew of additional data due out that will shape currency trading.The Fed chairman is due to testify before the Senate Banking Committee on his nomination for a second term. Analysts widely expect a more hawkish policy stance that will provide support for the dollar."As head of the central bank, which controls short term interest rates, he has more influence over the nation's currency value than any other person," explained Forexfactory.comIn Europe, retail sales figures and revised gross domestic figures will shape Asian trading ahead of the ECB press conference this morning, while in the US session trading activity is likely to be fuelled by unemployment claims data and petroleum storage figures for last week.For more information on international payments, visit our Smart FX site