Dollar climbs, stocks steady as markets await U.S. data

The dollar hit a multi-week high on Friday while European stocks, oil and gold steadied as markets held their breath for a U.S. jobs report seen as a critical signal for economic recovery and a possible easing of stimulus measures.

U.S. Treasury yields firmed after jumping overnight, while the dollar held onto its biggest gain since April with other currencies subdued ahead of the crucial U.S. nonfarm payrolls data release.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index (.STOXX) was up 0.1% by 1137 GMT, trading just below its record high touched earlier this week, and contrasting with an earlier 0.3% fall…