The dollar hovered close to an eight-week low on Friday, ahead of a crucial U.S. jobs report that should provide clues on the timing of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Euro zone business activity expanded at its quickest rate in a year in May as growth in the bloc's dominant services industry outpaced contraction in manufacturing, according to a private survey, which also showed price pressures easing.

Growth among Britain's services businesses eased in May from April's 11-month high and inflation pressures dropped to their lowest in three years, a survey showed on Wednesday, potentially easing the way for a Bank of England rate cut later this year.

China's exports likely grew more quickly and for a second month in May thanks to improving overseas demand, giving officials some comfort as they navigate numerous challenges at home to shore up an uneven economic recovery.

China's services activity in May accelerated at the quickest pace in 10 months while staffing levels expanded for the first time since January, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday, pointing to sustained recovery in the second quarter.

Hiring by U.S. private employers slid to a four-month low in May, with small firms reducing staff, and wage gains for job changers moderated for a second month, according to a report on Wednesday that added to signs the job market is cooling.