Euro advances against dollar

LONDON (AFP) — The euro climbed against the dollar on Friday, despite a downbeat survey on eurozone economic confidence, ahead of next week's expected interest rate rise from the European Central Bank.

Traders were also on alert for signs in Washington of steps to shore up the weak dollar amid concern that it contributes to soaring oil prices, which were Friday trading close to 142 dollars per barrel.

The European single currency rose to 1.5777 dollars in morning London trade from 1.5756 dollars in New York late on Thursday.

The US unit fell to 106.29 yen from 106.73.

The European Central Bank (ECB) was forecast next Thursday to lift its key rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent in a bid to keep a lid on inflation, dealers said.

In contrast, the US Federal Reserve left its benchmark lending rates unchanged at 2.0 ...