The US dollar retreated from six-year highs against the yen after data showed that more Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, though the dollar index remained on track to post its ninth consecutive week of gains. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits unexpectedly increased 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 315,000 for the week ended September 6, the highest level since late June, the Labour Department said on Thursday.
The dollar was last at 106.83 yen after earlier rising above 107 for the first time since September 2008. The euro rose to $1.294, up from a 14-month low of $1.2858 on Tuesday. The dollar index fell 0.14 percent to 84.166, but was still on track for a ninth consecutive week of gains - its longest winning streak since 1997. Sterling rose 0.18 percent to $1.6242 after gaining 0.7 percent on Wednesday after the latest poll was published. The kiwi sank as low as $0.8162, before recovering back to $0.8196.