The US dollar slid against the Swiss franc and yen on Friday as bleak jobs data raised expectations the Federal Reserve may soon embark on another round of bond-buying, a measure that could drag the dollar down further. The Swiss franc extended already impressive gains for the week as concerns about the euro zone debt crisis and a gloomy economic outlook prompted safe-haven buying by fund investors, who tested the Swiss National Bank's resolve.
In early afternoon New York trade, the dollar was down 0.2 percent at 76.78 yen and 1.1 percent lower against the Swiss franc at 0.7864 franc. The increased expectations of a new round of stimulus by the Fed when its policy-setting committee next meets on September 20-21 was seen as continuing to weigh on the dollar. The euro traded down 0.4 percent at $1.4208, a three-week low.
The Swiss franc pared gains after top Swiss politicians said they fully support the steps the SNB has taken. The euro was last down 1.5 percent to 1.1174 francs, extending a rapid dive from nearly 1.2000 francs on Monday and putting the single currency on course for its biggest ever weekly fall.