NEW YORK >> The dollar fell sharply against major peers today after crucial monthly jobs data showed that American employers hired fewer workers than expected, which affirms weakening labor market conditions and likely guarantees a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Labor Department data showed that nonfarm payrolls increased by only 22,000 jobs last month, far short of the 75,000 positions estimated by economists polled by Reuters.

The dollar fell across the board following the report. It weakened 0.70% to 147.44 against the Japanese yen, but was still on track for the second straight week of gains. The greenback dropped 0.91% to 0.79830 against the Swiss franc and was poised for the fourth consecutive week of losses against the currency.

“The data is giving evidence of what was feared

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