NEW YORK, Oct. 19 -- The U.S. dollar strengthened against the euro on Thursday as weak U.S. jobs data reduced investors' risk appetite. The dollar also advanced versus Japanese yen amid increasing expectations that the Bank of Japan would launch stimulus measures soon.

The 17-nation common currency retreated as the number of Americans initially applied for unemployment aid unexpectedly rebound last weak, which increased demand for the dollar as a safe- heaven asset.

The euro hit the highest level in a month on Wednesday after Moody's Tuesday confirmed the Baa3 rating of Spain's government bond while maintaining its negative outlook.

However, analysts believed the euro would still be supported by the speculations that Spain would ask for a financial aid eventually, and an aid request is required by the European Central Bank before buying the country's debts.

Meanwhile, the dollar soared to a two-month high of 79.45 against yen during Thursday's trading amid expectations that Japan's central bank would took more easing measures, as data showed U.S. factory activity in mid-Atlantic region recovered in October.

In late New York trading, the euro slipped to 1.3061 from 1. 3127 of the previous session, and the British pound fell to 1.6062 dollars from 1.6154.

The dollar rose to 0.9253 Swiss francs from 0.9220 and went up to 0.9853 Canadian dollars from 0.9777.

The dollar bought 79.23 Japanese yen, higher than 78.98 in the previous session.