Dollar falls in quiet trade, on course for weekly loss

The dollar slips in thin trade on Friday, on course for weekly losses as investors favored risk assets. The improving risk sentiment was the result of upbeat COVID-19 vaccine news and hopes for a smooth Biden transition. 

The dollar index lost 0.12% to 91.92 after dropping to a near three-month low of 91.84 overnight. It has lost 0.52% for the week.

The euro firmed at $1.1923, slipping from a more than two-month high of $1.1941 hit on Thursday. The pound bought $1.3368, clinging near a three-month high hit overnight as traders expect progress on post-Brexit talks.

The European Central Bank’s minutes of the meeting showed that additional stimulus is probable at its December meeting. 

Meanwhile, the efficacy of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is being questioned, which some experts say could block its regulatory approval. 

The Aussie rose 0.25% to $0.7374, while the kiwi bought $0.7018. The dollar fell 0.3% to 103.94 against the Japanese yen.