Summary The euro-dollar rate remained virtually unchanged on Thursday ahead of US April jobs report.
NEW YORK (AFP) - Foreign exchange markets were quiet Thursday ahead of the US April jobs report release, which could confirm that the economy is emerging from its winter chill.
The euro-dollar rate was virtually unchanged at $1.3867, while the yen slipped a day after the Bank of Japan trimmed its economic growth outlook.
Analysts were on the watch for Friday's US jobs data, amid tentative expectations that it will show the economy is rebounding after a near-stall in the first quarter.
"The US non-farm payrolls report may spark a bullish reaction in the dollar as the economy is expected to add another 215,000 jobs in April," said David Song, adding he expects the unemployment rate to fall to 6.6 percent from 6.7 percent.
Joe Manimbo, senior market analyst at Western Union, meanwhile said the initial release could spark "a bout of renewed volatility."
"Although the euro's drift higher has been a boon for US exporters," he said, "they face a risk in Friday's jobs report, should it prove stronger than expected and spark a rebound in the dollar."
