Dollar falls as strong economic data lifts optimism

The U.S. dollar fell against major currencies in late New York trading on Tuesday as upbeat economic data showed strong economic recovery and raised optimism in market. The Institute for Supply Management said on Tuesday its manufacturing index for Dec. rose to a six-month high of 53.9 from 52.7 in November. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion. Also, economic data from China and Britain showed positive signs and helped stimulate optimism. The stock market surged on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the minute of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting in Dec. showed that officials will begin disclosing more details about their interest rate forecasts. The dollar was under pressure as optimism dominated the market. The dollar index fell 0.69 percent to 79.63 on Tuesday. In late Tuesday trading, the dollar bought 76.67 Japanese yen, comparing with 76.91 from late Friday. The euro rose to 1.3056 dollars from 1.2929. The British pound also rose to 1.5652 dollars from 1.5501. The dollar fell from 0.9403 Swiss francs to 0.9321, and also fell to 1. 0102 Canadian dollars from 1.0202.