The euro strengthened in Asian trade on Tuesday as sentiment on debt-addled Greece improved, while the dollar got a boost against the yen thanks to better-than-expected US retail sales data.
The common currency bought $1.2963 and 102.24 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, from $1.2950 and 101.89 yen in New York Monday.
The dollar bought 78.84 yen, against 78.66 yen in US trade.
Concerns over Greece’s possible exit from the eurozone eased as regional leaders voiced support for giving debt-hit Athens more time to implement austerity reforms.
“Various reports indicate that Greece’s euro exit risks may have receded somewhat,” Junichi Ishikawa, forex analyst at IG Market Securities in Tokyo, told Dow Jones Newswires.
The dollar rose against the yen after fresh data showed US retail sales rose sharply in September, pointing to improved consumer optimism heading into the year-end holiday shopping season.
The dollar was lower against other Asia-Pacific currencies.
It fell to 9,585 Indonesian rupiah from 9,625 rupiah on Monday, to 30.68 Thai baht from 30.76 baht, to Sg$1.2214 from Sg$1.2229 and to 52.89 Indian rupees from 53.06 rupees.
The greenback also eased to 41.37 Philippine pesos from 41.49 pesos, to Tw$29.21 from Tw$29.26 and to 1,106.45 South Korean won from 1,111.45 won.
The Australian dollar bought $1.0268 from $1.0215 while China’s yuan changed hands at 12.58 yen against 12.51 yen.
Euro firms in Asia on easing Greece worries
