The dollar declined versus a majority of its most-traded counterparts as U.S. employers added more jobs than forecast in July and the unemployment rate fell, damping demand for refuge.
Concern about slowdown in the largest world’s economy continues put pressure on the currency. Today US Department of Labor reported about decline in unemployment rate to 9.1% in July from June figure of 9.2%. Analysts had expected that the jobless rate would remain unchanged. Another report showed the nonfarm payrolls added 117K in July, beating expectations of 70 K and up from a rise of 18 K in June.
The euro rises against the US dollar fter reports that the ECB is willing to buy Italian and Portugal bonds if Italy advances reforms.
Switzerland’s franc weakens versus the US dollar as today the Swiss National Bank said it won’t exclude any measures to curb the currency’s advance.
The Swiss franc hit a fresh record high against the euro on Friday.
A strongly risk-averse mood supported the Swiss franc, although comments by Switzerland's central bank chief saying he will not accept a further appreciation in the Swiss franc without acting, sapped some of its momentum.
The yen stabilized against the dollar.
The Canadian currency gains after today’s fall to the lowest level over 5 weeks amid declining crude oil prices, Canada’s biggest export. Today Canada’s statistics showed decline unemployment rate to 7.4% from 7.2%, but employment data also fell more than analysts expected.