Japanese Yen Weakens Amid Rising Risk Appetite

The Japanese yen slipped against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday, as Asian markets followed Wall Street higher after a survey showed China's services sector expanded at the sharpest pace in four months in April.

The Caixin China services purchasing managers index climbed to 56.3 from 54.3 in March. Separately, official data showed that China's exports and imports grew faster than expected in April.

Investors await the release of U.S. jobs data due out later in the day for more insights into the strength of the global recovery.

Economists expect U.S. employment to jump by 978,000 jobs in April after an increase of 916,000 jobs in May. The unemployment rate is expected to dip to 5.8 percent from 6.0 percent.

The latest survey from Jibun Bank showed that Japan's services sector continued to contract in April, albeit at a slower pace, with a services PMI score of 49.5.

That's up from 48.3 in March, although it remains slightly below the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

The yen fell to 109.20 against the greenback, from an early 4-day high of 108.94. The yen is seen finding support around the 111.00 mark.

The yen declined to 131.72 against the euro and 151.85 against the pound, off its prior highs of 131.48 and 151.40, respectively. The next likely support for the yen is seen around 133.00 against the euro and 154.00 against the pound.

The yen reversed from its early highs of 120.05 against the franc and 89.61 against the loonie, dropping to 120.28 and 89.84, respectively. The yen may challenge support around 124.00 against the franc and 92.00 against the loonie.

In contrast, the yen rose to 78.79 against the kiwi and 84.73 against the aussie, from its early low of 79.03 and a 1-1/2-month low of 85.02, respectively. The yen is likely to face resistance around 75.00 against the kiwi and 82.00 against the aussie, if it gains again.

Looking ahead, U.K. construction PMI for April is due out in the European session.

U.S. and Canadian jobs data and Canada Ivey PMI, all for April, as well as U.S. wholesale inventories and consumer credit for March will be out in the New York session.