Investing.com - The dollar traded higher against a basket of major currencies on Friday, amid mostly upbeat economic data as industrial production slowed in February while consumer sentiment topped expectations.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose 0.03% to 100.12 by 12:50 EDT.
The dollar turned positive in mid-afternoon trade, on the back of mostly upbeat economic data as manufacturing output and consumer sentiment data topped expectations while industrial production eased in February.
In a preliminary report, the University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index rose to 97.6 in March from 95.7 the previous month while manufacturing output rose for a sixth straight month.
Both consumer sentiment and manufacturing output topped expectations while U.S. industrial production was flat in February, compared to expectations for a 0.2% rise.
Elsewhere, the pound continued its rise against the dollar, after hitting a two-week high of $1.2339, fuelled by expectations the Bank of England may hike interest rates soon.
GBP/USD gained 0.22% to $1.2384 while EUR/USD sank to $1.0742, down 0.22%.
Meanwhile, the dollar slipped to a two-week low against the yen earlier during the session with USD/JPY 0.55% lower at 112.69 while USD/CAD rose 0.26% to $1.3352.