Session Recap: The Greenback declines on risk off environment

FXstreet.com (San Francisco) - The US dollar closed lower on Thursday against its major competitors as a wave of risk aversion came into the market. Earlier in the session, the Nikkei sunk over 7% leading to strong dollar and yen gains that extended in Europe.

Stocks dive in red, but the US came to the rescue: American opening saw stocks bouncing strongly up from pre opening negative stance, aiming for fresh highs in positive territory as the session comes to an end.

The US index prolonged its decline on Thursday, falling to the current 83.75/80 region after overnight highs around 84.60. The EUR/USD recovered from 1.2820 to close above the 1.2900 area. The GBP/USD jumped above the 1.5100 price and the USD/JPY collapsed to test 100.90, however the pair managed to recover ground and close above the 102.00.

Main headlines in the American session:

US: Initial Jobless Claims fell to 340K

US: Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in May

Market PMI a little firmer than expected: Taper!

US Apr New Home Sales (MoM): 0.454M and Change grows 2.3%

EMU: Flash Consumer Confidence up to -21.9 in May

Commodities Brief – Gold rally capped at 1400 resistance, silver unable to mount rally higher despite bullish technicals

Wall Street closes modestly lower after recovering from strong losses

Moody's affirms Switzerland Aaa rating; stable outlook