American focus: the euro rose above $1.30

The euro rose above $1.30 for the first time in a week amid speculation that Spain is moving toward asking for financial assistance, reducing concern the region’s debt crisis is worsening.

The 17-nation currency strengthened for a fourth day versus the yen after Germany was said by two senior coalition lawmakers to be open to providing Spain a precautionary credit line. Comments by Michael Meister, a deputy caucus leader of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic bloc, and Norbert Barthle, her party’s budget spokesman, indicate a rolling back of German resistance to a full sovereign bailout for Spain. Schaeuble cautioned Spain against seeking aid on top of its bank bailout as recently as last month.

The dollar and the yen fell against most of their major counterparts as U.S. industrial production rose more than forecast last month, damping demand for the safest assets. Output at U.S. factories, mines and utilities rose 0.4 percent after a 1.4 percent decline in August that was the biggest since March 2009, the Federal Reserve reported today in Washington.

The Canadian dollar fell against most major peers after Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney suggested he may reduce his economic outlook and delay raising policy interest rates.

The pound fell against the euro, as inflation in the UK slowed to the lowest level in nearly three years. It is learned that consumer prices in the UK rose by 2.2% compared to the previous year, and an increase of 2.5% in August. Thus, the annual dynamics was the lowest since 2009, which was in line with analysts' forecasts.