1st LD Writethru: U.S. dollar slumps as rate-hike expectation dims

The U.S. dollar dropped against most major currencies on Friday as investors lowered their expectation for an interest-rate hike as early as September following the release of weak economic data from China.

The Caixin Flash China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) retreated to 47.1 in August from 47.8 in July, the lowest level since March 2009.

Analysts said the soft Chinese data added to the sliding commodity prices, raising uncertainties on the timing of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.

They noted that higher rates would increase borrowing costs for companies and consumers, causing possible damage to the global economic growth.

The U.S. dollar was further under pressure as the country's economic data came out negative. Financial data firm Markit reported Friday that U.S. manufacturers indicated a renewed loss of momentum during August.

The headline seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI dipped from 53.8 in July to 52.9 in August, missing market consensus of 54.2. The reading remained above the neutral 50.0 threshold, but registered the lowest since October 2013.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, was down 1.04 percent at 94.981 in late trading.

In late New York trading, the euro rose to 1.1359 dollars from 1.1193 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound climbed to 1.5703 dollars from 1.5672 U.S. dollars in the previous session. The Australian dollar inched down to 0.7329 dollar from 0.7337 dollar.

The U.S. dollar bought 122.06 Japanese yen, lower than 123.48 yen of the previous session. The U.S. dollar dived to 0.9486 Swiss franc from 0.9619 Swiss franc, and it surged to 1.3170 Canadian dollars from 1.3097 Canadian dollars. Endit