Asian session: The euro traded near its lowest level in more than three months

The euro traded near its lowest level in more than three months against the yen on concern European nations will struggle to raise funds, diminishing the allure of assets in the region.
Europe’s currency was also close to a three-month low versus the dollar after a slide in Portugal’s government bonds last week dimmed the outlook for debt auctions there, in Spain and Italy over the next three days.
Australia’s dollar was near a three-week low as floods worsened in Queensland, which accounts for about 20 percent of the nation’s economy, and China reported a trade surplus that was less than economists forecast.
China’s customs bureau said today its trade surplus was $13.1 billion in December, less than the $20.8 billion median estimate of economists. China is Australia’s largest trading partner and New Zealand’s second- biggest export market.

EUR/USD: the pair bargained in the field of $1,2900.

GBP/USD: the pair bargained within the limits of $1,5520-$ 1,5570.

USD/JPY: the pair bargained within the limits of Y82,90-Y83,30.


In the UK, at 0800GMT, the December Halifax House Price Index is due.