The euro lost ground to the dollar on Friday as the rally in equities came to a halt

The dollar strengthened, consolidating after broad selling on the back of data showing strong US growth, gaining over a cent on the single currency.

• Equities took a sharp downturn at the end of last week, having rallied after the positive US GDP data, most likely as a result of end of month profit taking, which buoyed demand for the greenback.
  
• Data also showed that US consumer spending fell for the first time in five months in September, coinciding with the end of the government's car scrappage scheme.
  
• The US Commerce Department says spending dropped 0.5% in September, compared with a 1.4% rise in August, which encouraged investors to buy back into the haven currency.
  
• The US dollar extended gains in the afternoon, pushing the euro down near three-week lows after data showed that a US Midwest manufacturing index was stronger-than-expected failed to heighten risk appetite.
  
• The euro has climbed in trading this morning with the price currently hovering around the mid 1.47 mark.