Euro a bit lower ahead of US GDP data

BERLIN: The euro is a little lower against the dollar as markets await figures on the third-quarter performance of the world's biggest economy.

The 16-nation euro bought $1.3879 in Friday morning European trading after rising as high as $1.3951. It bought $1.3926 in New York late Thursday.

European leaders agreed overnight on tougher rules for spendthrift nations and agreed in principle on a eurozone crisis mechanism.

Still, the main driver for currencies recently has been expectations that the Federal Reserve will announce a new bond-buying program _ aimed at stimulating the economy, though it also weakens the dollar. Economic growth data Friday should offer pointers.
The British pound edged up to $1.5938 from $1.5931 and the dollar slipped to 80.65 yen from 81.07 yen.