The U.S. dollar started 2009 a little higher, rising early Friday after a report showed manufacturing in Europe slowed. The euro fell 0.8% to $1.3897. The dollar index which tracks the currency against a basket of several counterparts, gained 0.4% to 81.64. The purchasing managers' index showed manufacturing activity in the eurozone fell for a seventh month, to 33.9 in December from 35.6 in November. The reading is the lowest in the survey's history. Gains by the U.S. currency may be capped ahead of the Institute for Supply Management report due at 10 a.m. Eastern. Economists expect the index will show a further contraction in U.S. manufacturing. November's reading of 36.2 was already the lowest since 1982.
