NEW YORK, (APP/AFP) – The dollar weakened
Tuesday after data showed activity in the US service sector slowed sharply last month, diminishing the odds of an early rate hike by the Federal Reserve.
The Institute for Supply Management reported Tuesday that its purchasing managers index for the supply sector had fallen from a reading of 55.5 to 51.4 for August. A result above 50 represents growth.
The toward 2100 GMT, the euro was at $1.1257, up from $1.1148 the day
before, while the dollar dropped to 101.99 yen, from 103.43. The pound stood at $1.3442, up from $1.3304 on Monday.
The euro meanwhile lost territory to the pound and the yen, falling
slightly to 83.75 pence, down from 83.79, and buying 114.81 yen, down from
115.30.
The drop in US service sector activity could argue against predictions of an interest rate hike this month by the US Federal Reserve.
It was yet another contradictory indication in the complex picture of the US economy considered by policymakers in Washington. Official figures released Friday showed the US had added 155,000 jobs in August, still solid but below analyst expectations.
Jasper Lawler, an analyst at CMC Markets, said he believed the sharp
service sector slowdown meant the Fed would be in error if it raised rates this month.
21H00 GMT Tuesday Monday
EUR/USD 1.1257 1.1148
EUR/JPY 114.81 115.30
EUR/CHF 1.0914 1.0924
EUR/GBP 0.8375 0.8379
USD/JPY 101.99 103.43
USD/CHF 0.9695 0.9799
GBP/USD 1.3442 1.3304