Frankfurt - The euro lost 2 US cents as of noontime Friday on European currency markets, slumping to a 4-year low amid uncertainty over the eurozone's financial situation.
The euro at one point slipped to 1.2051 dollars, compared with its official European Central Bank pegging of 1.2268 dollars.
'There are no recognisable fundamental reasons behind the slide,' commented HSBC Trinkaus currency expert Thomas Amend. But insecurity within the eurozone remains high, with banks once again showing restraint in their lending operations with each other.
The uncertainty was reflected in the euro also slipping on a broader front, for example against pound sterling and the Swiss franc.