Sterling slips for first time in five sessions against dollar

Sterling tilted lower against the dollar in American trade away from February 27 highs for the second straight session, following earlier data from the US, and amid a lack thereof from Britain. 

As of 04:11 GMT, GBP/USD shed 0.12% to 1.3945 from the opening of 1.3945, with an intraday low at 1.3922, and a high at 1.3989. 

Earlier US data showed unemployment claims fell 4 thousand to 226 thousand from 230 thousand in the previous report, below forecasts of 227 thousand, while the Philly Manufacturing Index slowed down to 22.3 from 25.8 in February, missing expectations of 23.1. 

The Empire State Manufacturing Index rose to 22.5 from 13.1, beating expectations of 14.9, while import prices slowed down to 0.4% from 0.8% in January, beating forecasts of 0.3%.