Investing.com - The pound slid lower against the U.S. dollar on Friday, as sentiment on the greenback improved ahead of highly anticipated data on U.S. nonfarm payrolls due later in the day.
GBP/US hit 1.4130 during European morning trade, the session low; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.4136, shedding 0.27%.
Cable was likely to find support at 1.4029, Thursday’s low and resistance at 1.4320, the high of February 22.
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.
Sterling was fractionally lower against the euro, with EUR/GBP edging up 0.13% to 0.7738.