Dollar Slips Ahead of U.S. Jobs Report Amid Economic Concerns and Trade Uncertainty

The U.S. dollar is on track for a weekly loss, pressured by weak economic data and stalled trade talks. Markets are now focused on the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, expected to show a 130,000 job increase, with the unemployment rate projected at 4.2%—though a rise to 4.3% is possible.

Recent U.S. data has fallen short of expectations, intensifying fears that tariffs under President Donald Trump are weighing on growth. The dollar index hovered at 98.72 after touching a six-week low, down 0.7% for the week.

Investors briefly welcomed news of a one-hour call between Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, though optimism faded as details remained vague. Meanwhile, a public dispute between Trump and Elon Musk stole attention from the call’s outcome, adding further market uncertainty.

The euro hit a 1.5-month high of $1.1495 after the European Central Bank's hawkish tone despite a rate cut. It last traded at $1.1449. Monex Europe’s Nick Rees noted caution but adjusted his forecast, now expecting only one more rate cut in September to 1.75%.

Sterling edged up 0.1% to $1.3583 and was set for a 0.9% weekly gain, following a surge to a three-year high. The yen dipped 0.1% to 143.74 per dollar. The Australian dollar rose 0.06% to $0.6512, and the New Zealand dollar climbed 0.17% to $0.6048—both on pace for 1.1% weekly gains.

Currency markets remain range-bound ahead of the U.S. jobs report, with traders watching for signs that the Fed’s tight policy may finally be impacting the labor market and dollar momentum.