USDCNH Exchange Rate

After growing for fifteen consecutive months, U.S. service sector activity unexpectedly contracted in the month of April, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Friday. The ISM said its services PMI dipped to 49.4 in April from 51.4 in March, with a reading below 50 indicating contraction. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 52.0.

After growing for fifteen consecutive months, U.S. service sector activity unexpectedly contracted in the month of April, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Friday.

After reporting stronger than expected job growth over the past several months, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of April. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment climbed by 175,000 jobs in April after surging by an upwardly revised 315,000 jobs in March.

After reporting stronger than expected job growth over the past several months, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of April.

The Dollar Index, which gauges the value of the Greenback against a basket of 6 major currencies, climbed to 105.77 from 105.57 after the US PCE report showed price pressures remain elevated.

The Dollar Index, a popular gauge of the Greenback’s value against a basket of 6 major currencies, steadied to close at 106.11 (106.15 Friday).

The Dollar Index (DXY) soared to finish above 106.0 (104.95) as geopolitical risks rose amidst hawkish Fed bets. News that Iran fired a huge salvo of missiles and drones toward Israel boosted the Greenback against its Rivals.

Stronger than expected Inflation data in the US, which accelerated to 3.5% for the second month running, lifted the Dollar Index to 105.23, a 5-month high.