Data on the US GDP, the central banks of Denmark at the center of the debates

The dollar hit a two-year high on Friday, buoyed by strong capital goods orders in the US and pending first-quarter GDP data that could further strengthen the greenback's bullish position.

The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies rose to 98.128, after rising to 98.322 on Thursday, its highest level since May 2017.

Data released on Thursday shows that new orders for capital goods manufactured in the United States increased to a maximum in eight months of March. This is in line with other recent US data showing that retail sales and exports are strong, easing the worries of the world's largest economy, which is slowing down.

Markets are monitoring US gross domestic product data for the first quarter, expected later on Friday (12:30 GMT) for signs of whether the US will remain stronger than other major economies.

According to a Reuters survey of economists, GDP has probably increased by an annualized 2.0% in the quarter. The economy grew by 2.2% between October and December.

"We expect GDP data to underline the steady economic recovery." Differences in economic fundamentals are a key factor for currencies now that the Fed – and more recently the Swedish and Japanese central banks – have adopted an accommodative stance "said Shin Kadota, senior strategist. at Barclays in Tokyo.

The Swedish central bank said on Thursday that recent weakness in inflationary pressures meant that interest rates would rise a little later than expected, pushing the Swedish krona to its lowest level in 17 years. years.

In order to dispel any doubt about its commitment to ultra-soft policies, the Bank of Japan has for the first time set a timetable for its forecasts in the future by informing investors that it will keep its interest rates at a higher level. extremely low levels. less one year more.

The euro was slightly above US $ 1.1139 but was around US $ 1.1117, its lowest level since June 2017.

The single currency lost nearly 1% against the dollar this week, due to worries about the health of the Eurozone economy.

The dollar was down 0.1% to 111.52 yen after a 0.5% loss overnight.

The Australian dollar remained stable at US $ 0.7018 after finishing Thursday little change.

The Australian dollar lost about 2% this week, during which it plunged into a nearly four month low, while weak data on domestic inflation reinforced the prospect of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia.