FXstreet.com (Córdoba) - The USD trades mixed as the US government shutdown moved into its fourth day while the Sterling slumped amid profit taking, turning in one of the worst performers Friday.

With the non-farm payrolls release cancelled due to the US government standoff, investors remained cautious and on the sidelines. EUR/USD pulled back from 8-month highs, slipping back below 1.3600. USD/JPY was little changed around 97.20 and AUD was among the top performers, reaching an 11-day peak of 0.9447.

Meanwhile, the GBP was hit by profit taking, piercing below the 1.6100 psychological level, and printing a 1-week low of 1.6032 without a clear catalyst as there have been no UK data of note to trigger the moves. The setback looks as corrective, after the Cable reached a 9-month high of 1.6259 Wednesday.

Elsewhere, European stocks managed to post minor gains, while US futures point for a positive open.

Main Headlines in Europe:

Germany: Producer Price Index drops in August against forecasts

Bank of Japan maintains monetary expansion

Commodities move on opposite sides, DXY at an 8-month low

European open: Non-Non-Farm Payroll Friday

BoJ's Kuroda hopes US resolves fiscal stalemate shortly

EMU: Producer Price Index flat in August

Gold bugs in danger of extinction as investors flee to safety of fiat currency