Dollar up in Asia on manufacturing data

TOKYO, Apr 2 (AFP): The dollar extended its gains against the yen in Asia Wednesday after upbeat manufacturing data from the United States and Europe boosted sentiment ahead of key US jobs figures this week.

In Tokyo afternoon trading, the greenback fetched 103.76 yen, up from 103.66 yen in New York Tuesday.

"If the (jobs data on Friday) beat the market forecast, the dollar may start rising toward 105 yen," said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief strategist at Praevidentia Strategy.

The euro rose to 143.26 yen from 142.98 yen, while also edged up to $1.3805 from $1.3793.

Regional sentiment was already up after China said Tuesday its official purchasing managers index ticked up in March after hitting an eight-month low in February, beating expectations.