US focus: Dollar slipped

The dollar declines versus a basket of currencies as in the U.S. Congress Republicans and Democrats are still locked in a stalemate on raising the debt ceiling.

Even believing there will be a last-minute deal on the debt ceiling, the head of China's Dagong rating agency still plans to cut its U.S. rating soon. He said that the only question will be the size of the move.

Another factor for falling is statement by Richmond Fed Lacker about US economy.

The euro rising against the dollar after a huge drop, which was triggered as yesterday rating agency S&P downgraded the credit rating of Greece to 'CC' from 'CCC' with negative outlook. The downgrade of Greece by 2 notches takes it to the same level as Moody's Ca rating (developing outlook).

The kiwi slightly dropped against the dollar. The currency rose toward a record high after the central bank said it will likely remove the half-percentage-point “insurance” cut in the target lending rate made after a February earthquake. But the rise was curbed as Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard signaled that strength of New Zealand’ dollar may reduce the extent of rate increases.

Japan yen also went up as US President and the senators still haven’t reached an agreement on raising the US national debt..