LONDON, 20 January 2006 — The dollar fell back yesterday following the broadcast of an audiotape said to be by Al-Qaeda head Osama Bin Laden that warned of new attacks being prepared against the United States.
The euro eased to 1.2107 dollars in late European trading from 1.2114 dollars in New York late on Wednesday. The dollar dipped to 115.08 yen from 115.23 on Wednesday.
The euro was changing hands at 1.2107 dollars against 1.2114 late on Wednesday, 139.29 yen (139.59), 0.6878 pounds (0.6867) and 1.5526 Swiss francs (1.5502).
US stocks rose yesterday, lifting the NASDAQ Composite index 1 percent higher. Semiconductor shares led the gains, including Advanced Micro Devices Inc., whose results revived hopes that corporate earnings growth would be robust.
The Dow Jones industrial average was up 31.53 points, or 0.29 percent, at 10,886.39. The technology-laced NASDAQ Composite Index was up 23.97 points, or 1.05 percent, at 2,303.61.
Asian stocks bounced off Japan to a much higher close yesterday with investors finding some relief in Tokyo where calm was finally restored after a day of chaotic trade, dealers said in Tokyo.