ZURICH: The Swiss franc slid to a six-week low against the dollar on Thursday as signs of an improving global economy dampened appetite for safe-haven assets ahead of a closely-watched US jobs report due on Friday.
A string of upbeat US data in recent days underpinned expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon start to scale back its stimulus programme.
On Thursday the US ADP private-sector jobs number will be in focus ahead of non-farm payroll data due on Friday. A strong report will likely reinforce the view that the Fed will act at its next meeting on Sept. 17-18.
Demand for safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc and the yen has also weakened as investors cast aside immediate concern over US plans to attack Syria.
The franc was under pressure against the euro after data showed euro zone businesses had their best month in over two years in August.
Investors are likely to scrutinise comments from European Central Bank following its policy review later on Thursday.
"In light of encouraging economic signs out of the Eurozone there is after all the chance for a slightly more hawkish stance by the ECB and their president Draghi at the forthcoming press conference," said UBS economist Reto Huenerwadel.
The franc fell 0.5 percent against the dollar to trade at 0.9392 by 0627 GMT compared to the New York close.
Against the euro, the franc slipped 0.2 percent to 1.2376.
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