
The dollar index (DXY00) on Friday fell by -0.16%. The dollar on Friday gave up an early advance and posted moderate losses. A sharp rally in stocks Friday curbed liquidity demand for the dollar. Also, strength in GBP/USD Friday weighed on the dollar after the British pound rallied to an 11-month high. The dollar Friday initially moved higher as the better-than-expected U.S. Apr payroll report may prompt the Fed to keep interest rates higher for longer.
Friday’s monthly U.S. payroll report was bullish for the dollar. Apr nonfarm payrolls rose +253,000, stronger than expectations of +185,000. Also, the Apr unemployment rate unexpectedly fell -0.1 to a 54-year low of 3.4%, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 3.6%. In addition, Apr average hourly earnings rose +0.5% m/m and +4.4% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +4.2% y/y.