Dollar hits near 6-week high vs. euro
Greenback gains after report shows U.S. jobs declined less than expected in July; dollar slips versus yen.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The dollar rose to near a six-week high against the euro Friday after the government reported fewer than expected job losses for July.
The euro fell as low as $1.5515 - the lowest level since June 24, according to data from Forex Capital Markets - but then pared some losses.
Most recently, the euro bought $1.5545, down from $1.5603 late Thursday. The greenback lost ground against the yen, buying ¥107.64, down from ¥107.91 a day earlier.
Jobs: The Labor Department said employers cut 51,000 jobs last month, marking the seventh straight month of job losses.
But economists polled by Briefing.com had feared worse and were expecting a loss of 75,000 jobs.
"I think overall it was kind of a pleasant surprise," said Tom Benfer, vice president of foreign exchange at the Bank of Montreal. "The market was bracing for a potentially poor number and it was only 51,000."
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate rose to 5.7% from a reading of 5.5% in June. The jobless rate was forecast to rise to 5.6%
European economy: The euro was also weakened by a negative report on manufacturing activity. The euro-zone's purchasing managers index report indicated contraction in the region's economy during the month of July.
"There is a perception that the European economy is slowing down," said Benfer.
The euro was also lower against the yen Friday. 
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