NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. dollar remained higher against its major counterparts Friday after a report said import prices rose more than expected in May due to crude oil prices. The dollar index (DXY 80.36, +0.95, +1.20%) , a measure of the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of currencies, rose to 80.436, up from 79.243 Thursday. The dollar gained ground earlier, ahead of a meeting of Group of Eight finance ministers that may see officials seek to outline potential exit strategies from their massive fiscal stimulus efforts. Later in the session, a report on U.S. consumer sentiment is expected to show an improved outlook this month.
