July 03, 2007	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 17, 1428

LONDON, July 2: The euro spiked to a two-month high against the dollar on Monday after the release of positive economic data for the eurozone and on expectations of higher interest rates, dealers said.

The euro struck $1.3636 in late European trade -- the highest point since May 1.

It later stood at $1.3628, compared with $1.3540 late on Friday in New York.

The dollar fell to 122.31 yen, from 123.15 yen late Friday.

The dollar suffered as economic concerns, particularly around the housing sector, hampered the currency.

And the euro marched ahead as manufacturing activity in the 13 nations that share the euro firmed more than expected in June after slumping in May, according to a widely watched survey on Monday.

On the London Bullion Market, the price of gold rose to $654.75 per ounce, from $650.50 late on Friday.—AFP