US companies added more jobs than expected last month, while the services sector picked up, suggesting the US economy remained on track for modest growth, data late on Wednesday showed.
"Markets were given a boost as US recovery hopes strengthened in the wake of encouraging data out of the US" said Mitul Kotecha, head of forex strategy at Credit Agricole's investment bank.
Later on Thursday, the ECB will announce its verdict on interest rates. Investors expect President Mario Draghi may provide hints on whether Spain may ask other euro zone members for a rescue, clearing the way for the ECB to buy up bonds.
"Market influences will be today's Spanish auction and the ECB," said Informa Global Markets analyst Tony Nyman.
Spain's borrowing costs will likely fall at a bond auction at 0840 GMT, drawing investors on hopes the country will soon sign up for a rescue package.
The franc fell 0.2 percent against the euro compared to the New York close to trade at 1.2130 at 0650 GMT. It hit an intra-day low of 1.2133, its weakest since Sept. 21.
The franc rose 0.2 percent against the dollar to trade at 0.9366.