By Sarah Turner, MarketWatch
SYDNEY (MarketWatch) — The dollar index eased slightly in Asian trading hours on Thursday, amid some signs of progress on Greece’s ongoing debt negotiations.
The ICE dollar index DXY -0.28% , which measures the greenback against a basket of six other currencies, traded at 78.565, down from 78.589 in late North American trading on Wednesday.
The euro EURUSD +0.26% traded at $1.3280, up from $1.3264 late Wednesday.
Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos’ office reportedly released a statement late Wednesday saying the key political parties have reached an agreement in principle on measures required for the country to receive its next aid package.
While most provisions were agreed by the ruling and opposition leaders, details over adjustment to pensions remain as a sole sticking point, according to the reports. See report on Greek negotiations.
The European Central Bank is slated to announce a decision on interest rates later Thursday, as will the Bank of England. Read ECB preview.
The British pound GBPUSD +0.13% hit $1.5830, up marginally from $1.5824 Wednesday.
The Australian dollar AUDUSD +0.13% rose to $1.0812, compared to $1.0798 in late trading Wednesday.
Against the Japanese yen, the dollar USDJPY +0.22% edged up to ¥77.17, from ¥77.03 in late North American trading.
Sarah Turner is MarketWatch's bureau chief in Sydney.
