Investing.com - The euro remained higher against the U.S. dollar on Friday, as the release of mixed U.S. economic reports did nothing to support demand for the greenback, while positive euro zone economic reports continued to boost the single currency.
EUR/USD hit 1.3824 during U.S. morning trade, the pair's highest since December 27; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.3794, advancing 0.64%.
The pair was likely to find support at 1.3694, the session low and resistance at 1.3894, the high of December 27.
Data showed that Chicago's purchasing managers' index rose to a four month-high of 59.8 in February, from a reading of 59.6 the previous month, compared to expectations for a fall to 57.0.
In a revised report, the University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index rose to 81.6 this month, from a reading of 81.3 in January. Analysts had expected the index to edge up to 81.3 in February.
Separately, industry data showed that U.S. pending home sales rose 0.1% in January, confounding expectations for a 2% increase. Pending home sales in December were revised to a 5.8% drop from a previously estimated 8.7% decline.
The reports came after preliminary data showed that the U.S. gross domestic product rose 2.4% in the fourth quarter, slightly below expectations for a 2.5% expansion, after a 3.2% increase in the three months to September.
Meanwhile, the single currency remained supported after preliminary data showed that consumer price inflation in the euro zone remained unchanged at an annualized rate of 0.8% in February, compared for expectations for a downtick to 0.7%.
A separate report showed that the unemployment rate in the single currency bloc remained unchanged at 12% in January, in line with expectations.
The positive data eased speculation that the European Central Bank could cut interest rates at its policy meeting next week.
Earlier in the day, official data showed that German retail sales rose 2.5% last month, exceeding expectations for a 1% increase. Retail sales in December were revised to a 2.1% drop from a previously estimated 2.5% decline.
The euro was also higher against the pound, with EUR/GBP climbing 0.51% to 0.8258.
Also Friday, the Nationwide Building Society said that U.K. house price inflation rose 0.6% in February, in line with expectations. In January, house price inflation was revised up to a 0.8% increase from a previously estimated 0.7% rise.