The US dollar had a strong fall against major world currencies on Friday after an unexpected weak employment report in the US have seen investors reduce expectations of a rise in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in the second half of this year.
The US Labor Department reported that the US economy added 126,000 jobs in March stations, less than half the gain of February and the smallest increase since December 2013. Economists had
projected an increase of 245,000 jobs in last month.
The February numbers were revised to a decline of 264,000, 295,000 previously reported. The unemployment rate remained stable at 5.5%, down six and a half, staying in line with expectations.
The surprisingly weak report added to concerns about the prospects for economic growth, after other recent economic data have pointed to a slowdown in the beginning of the year.
A labor market slowdown can do Fed officials reconsider an increase already planned for interest rates. Last month, the Fed indicated that the first increase in rates may occur until June, but added that continuous improvement in labor markets would be a key factor to be considered by the bank.
EUR / USD hit 1.0970 on Friday, higher than a week, ranking high of 0.83% on the day.
USD / JPY fell to 118.95 at the end of trading, down 0.63% on the day, while USD / CHF hit 0.9515, a five-week low.
The dollar index, which measures the strength of the US dollar against six major currencies basket, fell 0.95% to 96.84.
The fall in the dollar was exacerbated by light conditions negotiations because the end of Easter week. Most markets in Europe remained closed and the US markets did not work full time.
This week, the US markets will be closed on Monday. The US was to release data on Monday carefully observed on the activity in the service sector and on Wednesday the Fed should publish its minutes of the March meeting.
The policy meetings of central banks of Australia and Japan will also be focus.
In anticipation of next week, the Investing.com compiled a list of these and other significant events that may affect the markets.