Asian session: The dollar was 0.2 percent from an almost one-month high against the yen

The dollar was 0.2 percent from an almost one-month high against the yen before data today that may add to signs of economic recovery in the U.S., curbing the chances of further monetary easing from the Federal Reserve. Industrial production in the U.S. probably rose 0.5 percent last month after a 0.4 percent gain in June, according to the median forecast of economists in a Bloomberg News survey before today’s data. The New York Fed’s general economic index is predicted to be at 7 in August, a separate poll indicated. Readings greater than zero signal expansion in the region and the last negative reading was in October.

Commerce Department figures yesterday showed July retail sales expanded by more than economists expected.

Demand for the euro was limited after figures yesterday showed gross domestic product contracted in Europe’s 17-nation currency bloc. GDP in the euro bloc fell 0.2 percent in the three months through June from the first quarter, when it stagnated, the European Union’s statistics office in Luxembourg said yesterday. Separate reports showed Germany’s expansion was faster than expected, while France avoided a contraction in the same period.

The Australian dollar slid versus its U.S. counterpart after a report today showed a consumer sentiment index published by Westpac Banking Corp. (WBC) and the Melbourne Institute declined 2.5 percent to 96.6 in August. A number below 100 indicates pessimists outnumber optimists. The so-called Aussie fell 0.1 percent to $1.0475 after earlier dropping to $1.0465, the lowest since Aug. 3.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session the pair traded in the range of $1.2315-30.

GBP / USD: during the Asian session the pair traded in the range of $1.5660-80.

USD / JPY: during the Asian session the pair rose, approaching to yesterday's high.