Australian dollar rose against most major rivals, following strong jobs data while concerns about the banking crisis in the US and Switzerland calm down.

The government reported an increase of 64.6 thousand jobs in February, while analysts expected an increase of 46.7 thousand. 

Australia's unemployment fell to 3.5% last month from 3.7%, while analysts expected a drop to 3.6%. 

AUD/USD rose 0.5% to 0.6653 as of 19:02 GMT. 

The Dollar

The dollar index fell 0.3% to 104.3 as of 18:54 GMT, with a session-high at 104.7, and a low at 104.2. 

US unemployment claims fell to 192 thousand in the week ending March 11 from 211 thousand, below estimates of 205 thousand.

The Euro

EUR/USD rose 0.3% to 1.0613, as of 19:05 GMT.

The European Central Bank voted to increase interest rates by 50 basis points for the third time in a row to 3.5%, the highest since 2008, and matching expectations.

The ECB didn't present any details about future moves even as inflation remains stubbornly high.

Gold prices fell on Thursday even as the dollar declined against most major rivals with the precious metal losing its status as a safe haven as investors head for high-risk assets. 

Intervention 

Credit Suisse received over 50 billion francs of loans from the Swiss National Bank, in addition to offers to repurchase loans, to reduce the confidence crisis that's causing a shock to the global financial system.

The largest shareholder in Credit Suisse said "everything is going alright", and it's unlikely for the bank to seek more capital.

The announcements came amid a frantic trading session amid concerns about the financial situation of the bank, which caused concerns to regulators worldwide. 

International media said that JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley are considering an intervention and support with more liquidity, and potentially an acquisition of the struggling First Republic bank.

Data

US unemployment claims fell to 192 thousand in the week ending March 11 from 211 thousand, below estimates of 205 thousand.

The European Central Bank voted to increase interest rates by 50 basis points for the third time in a row to 3.5%, the highest since 2008, and matching expectations.

The ECB didn't present any details about future moves even as inflation remains stubbornly high.

The dollar index fell 0.1% to 104.5 as of 18:06 GMT, with a session-high at 104.7, and a low at  104.2. 

Gold spot prices fell 0.4% to $1,922.6 an ounce as of 18:07 GMT.

Copper prices stabilized on Thursday off two-month lows hit recently, as Swiss authorities vow to support Credit Suisse bank, while Chinese consumption is improving for industrial metals. 

Credit Suisse 

Credit Suisse's stock surged over 20%, recouping much of its losses as Swiss authorities reassured the markets and provided assistance to Switzerland's second largest bank.

Copper futures due in three months at the London Exchange rose 0.9% to $8581.50 a tone, after hitting January lows at $8,489.

Prices were boosted by higher demand in China, spiking to January 9 highs today. 

At the Shanghai Exchange, copper futures due in April fell 2.7% to 66,950 yuan, or $9,700 a tone, following heavy losses in the London session. 

Otherwise, the dollar index fell 0.2% to 104.4, with a session-high at 104.7, and a low at 104.2 as of 13:52 GMT. 

Copper futures due in May rose 0.4% to $3.82 a pound as of 13:48 GMT. 

The European Central Bank voted to increase interest rates by 50 basis points for the third time in a row to 3.5%, the highest since 2008, and matching expectations.