The pound slipped against most major currencies in the European session on Friday, as European stocks retreated ahead of U.S. reports on consumer confidence and business activity.
The ISM-Chicago's business barometer index is forecast to decline to 55 in June from 58.7 in May.
The Reuters and University of Michigan's final estimate of consumer sentiment index will probably show a reading of 83 in June, an upward revision from the preliminary reading of 82.7.
The Bank of England's governor Mervyn King will retire this month after serving at the bank's topmost position for a decade. King's successor, Mark Carney, will take over the position on July 1.
In economic news, the U.K. index of services increased 0.2 percent in April, following no change in March, data from the Office for National Statistics showed today.
The services index climbed 2 percent in April compared with last year as all of the components of the services industry increased in the most recent month. The rate exceeded March's 1.2 percent growth.
The pound hit a 4-day low of 1.4355 against the franc, down from Thursday's New York session close of 1.4414. If the pound extends it downtrend, it may find next support around the 1.43 level.
The pound reached as low as 1.5226 against the greenback, nearing Thursday's lowest level in more than 3 weeks. Further collapse of the pair may challenge support around the 1.51 level.
The British unit reached 0.8582 against the euro, a level not seen since June 20. This may be compared to yesterday's closing quote of 0.8544. On the downside, the pound may find support around the 0.866 level.
Retail sales in Germany grew more than expected in May, the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office showed today.
Sales rose 0.4 percent year-on-year in real terms in May, beating forecast for a 0.2 percent increase.
