Dollar firmer against most currencies

The US dollar is firmer against most major currencies. The euro, the Swiss franc and Swedish krona are the worst performers.

In the U.S., jobless claims fell 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 457,000 in the week ended March 13 compared to an expected slip to 455,000. CPI data was also released, flat after rising 0.2 percent in January. Core inflation rose 0.1 percent after falling 0.1 percent in January.

EUR/USD sits at 1.3676, down from the U.S. close Wednesday up around 1.3735.

The USD/CAD remains under pressure. Market participants believe the Bank of Canada is likely to raise interest rates before the Fed. In addition, stronger gold and crude oil have been pressuring USD/CAD, and traders say it will test the July 15, 2008 bottom at 99.74 before finding support.