Sterling initially strengthened against the Euro and dollar but retreated in the afternoon when the US data was announced.
Today could see much of the same as data already released in Germany with a lower than expected retail sales figure and in the UK the Halifax house survey confirming the weakness of the UK housing market.
The big numbers however are from the US later today with the non farm payroll figure due alongside their unemployment number, factory orders and a durable goods revised figure. With many dealers in Europe taking an extended weekend break adding today with yesterday's holiday and dealers in the UK having a bank holiday due on Monday it is likely that not many will have large open positions over the weekend. This may cause thin trading after the numbers are released this afternoon.