Investing.com - The dollar rose against the other major currencies on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated that she still expects interest rates to rise later this year and as U.S. second quarter growth was revised higher.
The dollar found support after Yellen said Thursday the U.S. central bank remains on track to raise interest rates this year.
The comments reassured investors that monetary policy has not altered significantly following the Fed’s decision to hold off hiking rates earlier this month.
An increase in interest rates would boost the greenback by making it more attractive to yield-seeking investors.
The greenback received an additional boost after data on Friday showed that the U.S. economy grew at a faster rate than previously estimated in the three months to June.
The Commerce Department said gross domestic product expanded at an annual rate of 3.9% in the second quarter, up from an initial estimate of 3.7%.
Consumer spending, which comprises more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity was revised up to 3.6% from the 3.1% reported in August.
EUR/USD was at 1.1194 in late trade, off 0.33% for the day.
The yen and the Swiss franc were also lower against the greenback, with USD/JPY advancing 0.36% to 120.48 and USD/CHF up 0.3% to 0.9780.
Sterling was also weaker, with GBP/USD sliding 0.4% to 1.5178 in late trade.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was last up 0.27% at 96.37.
In the week ahead, investors will be looking ahead to Friday’s jobs report for September. A strong reading would bolster expectations for a Fed lift-off before the end of the year.
Market participants will also be watching Wednesday’s euro zone inflation report amid concerns that the ECB could ramp up its monetary stimulus program.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of these and other significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, September 28
New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley and Chicago Fed President Charles Evans are both to speak, at separate events.
The U.S. is to release data on personal income and spending as well as a report on pending home sales.
Tuesday, September 29
In the euro zone, Germany and Spain are to release preliminary data on consumer price inflation.
The U.K. is to report on net private lending.
Canada is to publish data on raw material price inflation.
The U.S. is to report on the trade balance and consumer sentiment.
Later Tuesday, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney is due to speak at an event in London.
Wednesday, September 30
Japan is to produce data on retail sales.
New Zealand is to report on business confidence, while Australia is to publish figures on building approvals.
The U.S. is to release revised data on second quarter growth.
Germany is to publish data on employment and retail sales. The euro area is to release what will be closely watched data on inflation and a report on the unemployment rate.
Canada is to release its monthly report on economic growth.
The U.S. is to release the monthly ADP nonfarm payrolls report, as well as data on manufacturing activity in the Chicago region.
Later in the day, Fed Chair Janet Yellen is to speak at an event in St. Louis.
Thursday, October 1
Japan is to publish the latest reading of its Tanken index.
Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday.
China is to release reports on manufacturing and service sector activity from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, as well as the Caixin services index and the revised reading of the Caixin manufacturing index.
Switzerland is to report on retail sales.
The U.K. is to publish its manufacturing index.
The U.S. is to release a report on initial jobless claims and data on manufacturing activity from the Institute for Supply Management.
Friday, October 2
Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday.
Australia is to release data on retail sales.
The U.K. is to publish its construction index.
The U.S. is to round up the week with the closely watched nonfarm payrolls report, and data on factory orders.