The euro was trading mixed against its major counterparts in the European session on Friday, after a data showed that the euro area economy grew as initially estimated in the fourth quarter.

Flash estimates from Eurostat showed that gross domestic product grew only 0.1 percent sequentially, following third quarter's 0.3 percent expansion. The rate came in line with the flash estimate.

The 0.1 percent expansion was the slowest growth since early 2013.

On a yearly basis, economic growth eased to 0.9 percent from 1.2 percent in the third quarter. The fourth quarter growth was revised down from 1 percent.

In the fourth quarter, the number of people in work increased at a faster pace of 0.3 percent sequentially, faster than the 0.1 percent rise in the third quarter. On a yearly basis, employment growth held steady at 1 percent.

Another report from Eurostat showed that the trade surplus increased in December as exports increased from November, amid a fall in imports.

The trade surplus rose to EUR 22.2 billion in December from EUR 19.1 billion in November. Exports grew 0.9 percent, while imports fell 0.7 percent.

On an unadjusted basis, the trade surplus totaled EUR 23.1 billion versus EUR 16.3 billion a year ago. Exports advanced 4.8 percent and imports gained 1.1 percent annually.

Preliminary figures from Destatis showed that German economy stagnated in the fourth quarter of 2019 amid slower consumption and weaker exports.

Gross domestic product was unchanged from the previous quarter on a seasonally and calendar-adjusted basis. Economists had forecast 0.1 percent growth.

The currency showed mixed trading in the Asian session. While it dropped against the greenback and the yen, it held steady against the pound. Versus the franc, it rose.

The euro rose to a 2-day high of 1.0642 against the franc, after falling to 1.0609, which was its lowest level since August 2015. The next possible resistance for the euro is seen around the 1.08 area.

The euro bounced off to 1.0850 against the greenback, from near a 3-year low of 1.0827 set at 7:00 pm ET. The euro may challenge resistance around the 1.10 mark.

After dropping to a 4-month low of 118.87 in the Asian session, the euro recovered to 119.14 against the yen. On the upside, 121.00 is likely seen as the next resistance for the euro.

Data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed that Japan's tertiary industry activity declined unexpectedly in December.

The tertiary industry activity index fell 0.2 percent month-on-month in December. Economists had forecast a 0.1 percent rise.

The euro held steady against the pound, after reaching as high as 0.8331 at 4:15 am ET. At yesterday's trading close, the pair was valued at 0.8307.

Looking ahead, U.S. business inventories for December, University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for February, retail sales, import and export prices and industrial production, all for January, will be featured in the New York session.

Euro vs US Dollar (FX:EURUSD)
Forex Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Euro vs US Dollar Charts.
Euro vs US Dollar (FX:EURUSD)
Forex Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Euro vs US Dollar Charts.