Investing.com - The dollar strengthened against the other major currencies on Friday after broadly upbeat U.S. economic reports fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again this year.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose 0.71% to a three-week high of 98.13. The index ended the week with gains of 1.63%, its best weekly performance since November.
Data on Friday showed that while the U.S. economy slowed in the fourth quarter, the pace of the slowdown was not as steep as initially estimated.
The Commerce Department said gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 1.0% in the three months to December, up from an initial estimate of 0.7% growth. Economists had expected fourth quarter GDP growth to be revised down to 0.4%.
Separate reports, showing consumer spending and inflation rose in January added to the view that the U.S. recovery is on track.
The dollar climbed to three-week highs against the euro, with EUR/USD down 0.78% at 1.0931 in late trade. The pair ended the week down 1.71%.
The dollar rose to one-week highs against the yen, with USD/JPY advancing 0.9% to 114.00.
The dollar is still down more than 5% against the yen so far this year, with demand for the safety of the Japanese currency boosted by fears over the global growth outlook and steep falls in stocks and oil.
The dollar also moved higher against the Swiss franc, with USD/CHF gaining 0.66% to 0.9966.
Sterling fell to fresh seven-year lows, with GBP/USD down 0.61% to 1.3877, the weakest level since March 2009.
The pound remained under heavy selling pressure amid uncertainty over the U.K.’s future in the European Union. A referendum is due to be held on June 23 for Britain to decide whether to stay in the bloc.
In the week ahead, investors will be looking to Friday’s U.S. nonfarm patrols report for fresh indications on the strength of the labor market.
Investors will also be focusing on surveys of manufacturing and service sector activity in both the U.S. and China, while Monday’s euro zone inflation data will also be closely watched ahead of next month’s European Central Bank policy meeting.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, February 29
Japan is to release data on retail sales.
The euro zone is to publish preliminary data on consumer price inflation and Germany is to report on retail sales.
The U.K. is to produce data on net private lending.
Canada is to release data on the current account and raw material price inflation.
The U.S. is to publish reports on business activity in the Chicago region and pending home sales.
Tuesday, March 1
Australia is to release data on building approvals and the current account.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision.
China is to publish its official manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs and the Caixin manufacturing index.
The euro zone is to report on the unemployment rate and Germany is to release data on the change in the number of people employed.
The U.K. is to release the findings of the manufacturing PMI.
Canada is to publish its monthly GDP report.
In the U.S., the Institute of Supply Management is to release data on manufacturing activity.
Wednesday, March 2
Australia is to release figures on fourth quarter growth.
Spain is to release data on the change in the number of people unemployed.
The U.K. is to publish its construction PMI.
The U.S. is to publish the ADP report on private sector jobs creation.
Thursday, March 3
Australia is to report on the trade balance.
China is to publish the Caixin non-manufacturing index.
The U.K. is to publish its services PMI.
The U.S. is to release a report on initial jobless claims, as well as data on factory orders and the ISM non-manufacturing index.
Friday, March 4
Australia is to release data on retail sales.
Both the U.S. and Canada are to publish trade data and the U.S. is to round up the week with the closely watched report on nonfarm payrolls.