The Swiss franc was up sharply against the dollar on Thursday as the greenback weakened on improved investor sentiment after aluminium company Alcoa Inc reported a surprise profit late on Wednesday. The franc was little changed against the euro, trading towards this week's lows as investors eye focus on an interest rate decision due out from the European Central Bank later on Thursday, when the ECB is expected to keep rates at a record low 1.0 percent.
The franc traded in a tight range and was little changed against the euro compared to the New York close, trading at 1.5177 per euro. The franc was up 0.5 percent against the dollar to 1.0277 francs per dollar. Huenerwadel said at this point the dollar had more upside than downside in cross trading against the franc.