Euro scales two-month high against dollar

Euro rose in American trade to July 9 highs against the greenback, following earlier data from the euro zone and the US today, and ahead of a speech by Deutsche Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann titled "Perspectives for Europe and the euro area" at the Center for European Politics, in Freiburg.

As of 02:42 GMT, EUR/USD rose 0.69% to 1.1754, with an intraday low at 1.1669, and a ten-week high at 1.1777. 

Earlier euro zone data showed an index that tracks consumer sentiment at minus 3 in September, compared to minus 2 in August. 

Otherwise, earlier US data showed unemployment claims fell 3 thousand in the week ending September 15 to 201 thousand from 204 thousand, besting estimates of 210 thousand, while continuing claims fell to 1.645 million in the week ending September 8, beating estimates of 1.705 million. 

The Philly manufacturing index rose to 22.9 from 11.9, beating expectations of 17.5. 

US existing home sales were unchanged in August at an annualized 5.34 million units, compared to a 0.7% dip in July, while analysts expected a 0.5% increase to 5.37 million.