Euro stable against U.S. dollar

The euro was barely changed against U.S. dollar Monday, making up little of the ground lost last week after hitting two-year lows. In afternoon European trading, the 12-nation currency was at US$1.1707, up from US$1.1706 late Friday in New York. It had slipped to US$1.1670 early Friday, the lowest level since November 2003.

The dollar gained against other major currencies, buying 118.61 Japanese yen from 117.97 late Friday. The British pound fell to US$1.7387, from US$1.7395, in New York, the AP reports.

The dollar had been on a downward spiral over concerns about the massive U.S. trade and budget deficits. Traders seem to have been drawn back to the dollar, however, as the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates while European rates remain steady.

Higher interest rates generally make a nation's currency more attractive to investors. A.M.