Investing.com - The dollar was little changed against the other major currencies on Friday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of U.S. nonfarm payrolls data due later in the day.
EUR/USD rose 0.20% to 1.0978.
The dollar weakened on Thursday after a string of downbeat U.S. data dampened optimism over the strength of the economy.
The Institute of Supply Management reported that its non-manufacturing purchasing manager's index fell more-than-expected last month.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor said the number of individuals filing for initial jobless benefits rose to a four-week high last week, while a separate report showed that U.S. factory orders rose less-than-expected in January.
Investors were now awaiting Friday’s U.S. employment report for further indications on the strength of the job market and potential hints on whether the Federal Reserve will be raising interest rates in the near future.
USD/JPY held steady at 113.73.
Demand for the safe-haven yen weakened as oil prices regained some ground on Friday and remained supported above $34 a barrel, as concerns over a global supply glut seemed to dissipate.
The dollar was higher against the pound, with GBP/USD down 0.30% at 1.4134 and was steady against the Swiss franc, with USD/CHF at 0.9916.
Meanwhile, the Australian and New Zealand dollars were stronger, with AUD/USD up 0.37% at 0.7378 and with NZD/USD gaining 0.45% to 0.6754.
Data earlier showed that Australia’s retail sales rose 0.3% in January, disappointing expectations for a 0.4% increase and after a flat reading the previous month.
USD/CAD rose 0.28% to 1.3441.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was little changed at 97.57.