Euro slightly higher ahead of US jobs report

BERLIN

The euro is slightly higher against the dollar as investors await a monthly jobs report for indications about the strength of the U.S. economy.

The 16-nation currency rose to $1.3196 in Friday morning European trading from $1.3179 in New York late Thursday.

The British pound climbed to $1.5900 from $1.5878, but the dollar rose to 86.10 Japanese yen from 85.87 yen.

Economists worry the U.S. government's July employment report won't show strong gains, meaning Americans likely will remain cautious about spending.

Gloom about slowing U.S. growth has coincided with optimism about a better European outlook. European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet said Thursday Europe is doing better than expected but growth will remain "relatively modest."