Palladium sheds 1% as dollar inches up

Palladium prices fell over one percent in American trade as the dollar index hit the highest since November 21, following a basket of data from the US, the world's largest economy, and ahead of later consumer sentiment data. 

As of 03:29 GMT, palladium prices fell 1.06% to $1,006.59 an ounce from the opening of $1,016.46, while the dollar index rose 0.11% to 93.90 from the opening of 93.79. 

Earlier US data showed the unemployment rate steadied at 4.1% as expected in November, matching the October reading and holding at the lowest rate since December 2000.

US average hourly earnings rose 0.2% in November, missing expectations of a 0.3% rise, while improving from October's 0.1% dip, revised from no-change. 

Finally, the US economy added 228 thousand new jobs in November, beating expectations of 198 thousand, and compared to October's 244K, revised from 261K.