The US dollar weakened against most of its peers on Thursday as a rally in equity markets dampened appetite for a safe-haven currency.

The dollar strengthened yesterday after the minutes of the last Fed meeting said that some members consider it necessary to have some discussion on the reduction of asset buying programs during the upcoming sessions.

Data released by the Department of Labor showed that US jobless claims fell to 444,000 last week (the lowest since the week of March 14, when it fell to 256,000), up from a revised 478,000 the previous week. week. Economists had expected jobless claims to fall to around 450,000 in the week ending May 15.

Labor Department data also showed that the number of repeat applications rose unexpectedly 111,000 last week to 3.75 million, hitting a 7-week high.

The less volatile four-week moving average for US jobless claims fell to a 14-month low of 504,750 from a revised 535,250 the previous week.

The Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing index fell to 31.5 points in May from 50.2 points in April, the strongest in nearly 50 years. The figures were also below the forecasts of 43 points. The business conditions index fell sharply to 52.7 points in April from 66.6 points.

The US dollar index dropped to 89.76, losing almost 0.5%.

Against the euro, the US dollar weakened to 1.2227, losing more than 0.4%.

The pound sterling strengthened to 1.4187 against the US dollar, gaining more than 0.5%.

Against the yen, the US dollar lost ground, gaining 108.79 yen per dollar, up from 109.22 yen on Wednesday night.

The dollar lost ground against the Australian dollar, dropping to 0.7774 from 0.7728.

The Swiss franc strengthened to 0.8976 against the US dollar, climbing more than 0.7% from 0.9042, while the Canadian dollar was up 0.62% against the US dollar, gaining more than 1.2058.