Dollar eases ahead of US jobs data

TOKYO: The dollar eased in Asia on Friday as investors awaited US jobs data that could give clues about the timing of a pull-back of the Fed's huge stimulus drive.

The greenback fetched 99.79 yen in Tokyo midday trade against 100.12 yen in New York Thursday afternoon.

The euro strengthened to $1.3134 from $1.3117, a six-week low reached in US trade, while it slipped to 131.06 yen from 131.35 yen.

A senior dealer at a major European bank said the dollar was likely to bounce in and out of 100-yen territory during the session, with possible sell-offs driven by investors who had built up bets on the greenback soaring higher.

As private jobs data Thursday pointed to an improving labour market, analysts and markets are keenly awaiting Friday's official jobs report for August.

"The US data over the past few days would suggest that Fed tapering at the next FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting is becoming increasingly likely, but tonight's payrolls are crucial to the Fed's decision," National
Australia Bank said.