TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's dollar ended slightly lower versus the US currency in a muted session yesterday as traders avoided big commitments ahead of key jobs data due today from Canada and the US.

The Canadian dollar, coming off a string of three straight higher closes, spent the North American session in a range of C$1.0606 to the US dollar and C$1.0669 to the US dollar.

"I think the market is just waiting for the employment data tomorrow to be honest," said David Bradley, director of foreign exchange trading Scotia Capital. "The Canadian employment data often surprises to the upside but I wouldn't be surprised if we have a downward surprise this time."

Market watchers will study today's employment reports from Canada and the US for further clues on the strength of the economic recovery. The Canadian report is expected to show the economy added 10,000 jobs in October.

Also weighing on the Canadian currency was a slide in gold prices from the record high hit in the last session and a drop in oil prices of nearly one percent. Oil and gold are considered key Canadian exports and their prices often influence moves in the currency.

The Canadian dollar closed at C$1.0658 to the US dollar, or 93.83 US cents, down from C$1.0638 to the US dollar, or 94.00 US cents, at Wednesday's close.

Mr. Bradley said that if the Canadian jobs data falls short of expectations, it could pull the Canadian dollar down through C$1.0685, which he felt could trigger stops and send it toward the C$1.0725-C$1.0750 area.

The Canadian dollar hit its session high early in the morning, shortly after data showed US jobless claims fell and productivity rose at its fastest pace in six years.

The reports helped spur investor appetite for riskier assets.

Canadian bond prices ended a touch lower as investors piled into equities after the US data helped bolster investor confidence in the economy.

Toronto's S&P/TSX composite index rose one percent to 11,180.7. while the Dow Jones industrial average ended up two percent at 10,005.96.