The British pound weakened against the other major currencies in the European session on Friday, after data showed that the British manufacturing sector growth eased unexpectedly in April.

Data from Markit Economics showed that U.K. Purchasing Mangers' Index, or PMI, fell to 51.9 in April from 54.0 in March, which was revised down from 54.4. Economists had expected the index to rise to 54.6.

The pound fell to more than a 3-week low of 0.7361 against the euro, a 10-day low of 1.4234 against the Swiss franc and a 3-day low of 1.5283 against the U.S. dollar from early highs of 0.7299, 1.4358 and 1.5396, respectively.

Pulling away from an early near a 2-month high of 184.46 against the yen, the pound edged down to 183.09.

If the pound extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.75 against the euro, 1.40 against the franc, 1.48 against the greenback and 180.10 against the yen.

Sterling vs Yen (FX:GBPJPY)
Forex Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Sterling vs Yen Charts.
Sterling vs Yen (FX:GBPJPY)
Forex Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Sterling vs Yen Charts.