USD review

The dollar kept on a mixed footing after weekly jobless claims unexpectedly inched up to 295,000 from 294,000. The forecast called for an improvement to 290,000. But claims' underlying trend remained positive, having kept below 300,000 for the seventh time in as many weeks. 

The dollar's inconsistent bias of late shows how market players are weighing many factors and positioning ahead of a flurry of action next week. 

The coming week brings first quarter growth from the U.S. and U.K. and an always important decision by the Federal Reserve on April 29 which could make or break the case for a June interest rate hike.