Loonie declines after monthly jobs data

The Canadian dollar fell against most major rivals on Friday following mixed monthly jobs data.

Canadian government’s data showed the economy added 40.7 thousand new jobs in February, compared to expectations of adding 21.2 thousand jobs. 

The data also showed the unemployment rate up to 5.8% last month as expected from 5.7%. 

On trading, CAD/USD fell 0.2% to 0.7413 as of 21:22 GMT.

Aussie

The Australian dollar rose 0.1% against the US counterpart to 0.6624 as of 21:22 GMT.

The Dollar

The dollar index fell 0.1% to 102.7 as of 21:23 GMT, with a session-high at 102.9, and a low at 102.3. 

Earlier data showed the US economy added an excellent 275 thousand new jobs in February, compared to estimates of 198 thousand, and after adding 229 thousand jobs in January.

The increase in US jobs last month was above the 12-month average of 230 thousand, with gains focused on the healthcare system, government jobs, and food services. 

The data also showed unemployment claims rose 0.2% to 3.9% in February, while analysts expected no change at 3.7%.