* Graphic: World FX rates in 2020 https://tmsnrt.rs/2RBWI5E
* Dollar grinds lower against many currencies
* Improving risk appetite draws funds from dollar
* Traders closely monitoring moves in yuan
By Stanley White
TOKYO, Nov 26 (Reuters) - The dollar was on the defensive on
Thursday as downbeat U.S. economic data and optimism about
coronavirus vaccines prompted investors to seek out riskier
assets tied to global commodities and emerging markets.
The British pound traded near a more than two-month high
against the dollar as investors awaited details on trade talks
between Britain and the European Union this week.
The dollar's fall has been so rapid that it could rebound in
the short term, market watchers said, but some investors still
expect a decline over the longer term as they shift positions in
expectation that the coronavirus outbreak will wane next year.
"A China-led recovery in the global economy and commodities
should benefit commodity currencies," said Masafumi Yamamoto,
chief currency strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo.
"The outlook is good, but we are reaching levels where
authorities might feel some concern. Other emerging market
currencies with good fundamentals should benefit."
Against the euro EUR=EBS , the dollar stood at $1.1926,
close to its weakest in more than two months.
Sterling GBP=D3 bought $1.3387, which is near its
strongest level since Sept. 2. The pound held steady at 89.06
pence per euro EURGBP=D3 .
The dollar was little changed at 104.31 yen JPY=D3 .
Investors have rushed to riskier currencies and
emerging-market assets in recent weeks after positive data on
COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and signs of stability in U.S.
politics, which has weighed broadly on the dollar.
Sentiment for the greenback took a hit after data on
Wednesday showed weekly U.S. jobless claims rose more than
expected and personal incomes fell. Some economists said more job losses are likely as many U.S.
states reinforce restrictions on businesses to curb a spread of
coronavirus infections.
The dollar index =USD against a basket of six other
currencies was near the lowest in more than two months.
Trading in the dollar was subdued because U.S. financial
markets are closed later on Thursday for the Thanksgiving
holiday.
Bitcoin BTC=BTSP , the most popular cryptocurrency, fell to
$17,895 after a failed attempt to breach its record high of
$19,666 from December 2017. The Australian dollar AUD=D3 traded near its highest since
September, supported by improving risk appetite and strong
Chinese demand for the commodities that Australia exports.
The New Zealand dollar NZD=D3 traded near its strongest
level in more than two years.
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Currency bid prices at 2:44 PM (0544 GMT)
Description RIC Last U.S. Close Pct Change YTD Pct High Bid Low Bid
Previous Change
Session
Euro/Dollar EUR=EBS $1.1926 $1.1914 +0.10% +6.38% +1.1930 +1.1915
Dollar/Yen JPY=D3 104.3150 104.4200 -0.06% -3.92% +104.4150 +104.3300
Euro/Yen EURJPY= 124.41 124.43 -0.02% +2.02% +124.4900 +124.3500
Dollar/Swiss CHF=EBS 0.9070 0.9081 -0.13% -6.28% +0.9082 +0.9068
Sterling/Dollar GBP=D3 1.3387 1.3386 +0.01% +0.94% +1.3397 +1.3382
Dollar/Canadian CAD=D3 1.3000 1.3007 -0.04% +0.08% +1.3007 +1.2992
Aussie/Dollar AUD=D3 0.7356 0.7365 -0.11% +4.85% +0.7374 +0.7356
NZ NZD=D3 0.7000 0.7007 -0.10% +4.03% +0.7014 +0.6997
Dollar/Dollar
All spots FX=
Tokyo spots AFX=
Europe spots EFX=
Volatilities FXVOL=
Tokyo Forex market info from BOJ TKYFX