The U.S. dollar jumped against the most major currencies after the release of better-than-expected U.S. labour market data, but later lost all its gains due to concerns on tensions in Ukraine. The U.S. inflation rate dropped to 6.3% in April from 6.7% in March. It is the lowest level in more than 5 years. Analysts forecasted the decrease to 6.6%. 288,000 new nonfarm jobs were created in April, the biggest growth in one month since the start of 2012. March’s figure was revised up to 203,000 from 192,000. The projected figure was an increase of 211,000. Factory Orders fell to 1.1% in March from 1.6% in February (forecast: 1.3%).

The euro recovered its losses against the U.S. dollar. Market participants were disappointed by Spain’s manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI). The index dropped to 52.7 in April from 52.8 in March. Analysts expected an increase to 53.4. But Eurozone’s PMI was higher. The index climbed to 53.4 in April from 53.0 in March (forecast: 53.3). Eurozone’s unemployment decreased slightly in March. The unemployment rate dropped to 11.8% from 11.9% in February (forecast: 11.9%).

The British pound recovered its losses against the U.S. dollar. Investors were disappointed by the worse-than-expected U.K. construction data. The U.K. construction purchasing managers' index decreased to 60.8 in April from 62.5 in March. Analysts forecasted the decrease to 62.2.

The New Zealand dollar traded mixed against the U.S. dollar. No economic data was published in New Zealand today.

The Australian dollar traded mixed against the U.S. dollar. Australia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) climbed 0.9% in the first quarter (4. Quarter 2013: 0.2%). Analysts forecasted an increase of 0.5%. HIA New Home Sales were up only 0.2% in March (February: 4.6%).

The Japanese yen dropped against the U.S. dollar, but later recovered its losses. The U.S. dollar was supported by the better-than-expected U.S. personal spending in March, published on Thursday, and U.S. labour market data. The U.S. personal spending climbed 0.9% in March from an increase of 0.5% in February. The projected figure was 0.7%. Due to concerns about the situation in Ukraine, the yen recovered all its losses.

Some economic data was published in Japan today. Household spending increased 7.2% in March (forecast: 1.7%) from the decline of 2.5% in February. Japan's monetary base decreased to +48.5% in April from +54.8% in March. Analysts forecasted an increase to 55.3%. The unemployment rate remained unchanged as expected at 3.6% in March (forecast: 3.6%).