Dollar Slid after Jump in Unemployment Rate

The dollar slid across the board after a report showed US unemployment jumped to the highest since 2004. US non-farm payrolls fell 49k in May, in line with the estimate of a 50k loss. However, unemployment rate shot up from 5.1% to 5.5%, the largest month increase since 1986. The report showed the nation’s job market is still very weak and there is no sign that the market will turn in short term. After the report, the euro rose immediately from 1.5580 to 1.57 and extended its gains later. The dollar dropped 1 cent to close to 105.

The euro remained firm on higher expectations for a July rate hike after ECB President Trichet’s ultra hawkish comments yesterday. However, one thing should be aware of is that recent data all pointed to a slowing economy in euro zone. A report released this morning showed Germany industrial output dropped unexpectedly.

Canada job report for May was also released today. Unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.1% and jobs change lowered from 19.2k to 8.4k.