Investing.com - The dollar remained steady to higher against the other major currencies on Monday as tensions between Russia and the West and unrest in the Middle East continued to dampen risk sentiment.
USD/JPY was steady at 101.34.
Market sentiment remained under pressure following the shooting down of a Malaysian airliner in eastern Ukraine late last week.
The U.S. has accused Russia of complicity in the crash, and European leaders have threatened to impose far reaching new sanctions against Moscow, sparking fears over the impact on global growth.
Markets also remained uneasy as fighting in Gaza continued.
Trade volumes remained thin on Monday with markets in Japan closed for a holiday.
The dollar was little changed against the traditional safe haven Swiss franc, with USD/CHF at 0.8984.
The euro was fractionally lower, with EUR/USD down 0.08% at 1.3516, holding above Friday’s five month trough of 1.3490.
The euro remained under pressure after recent comments by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi were seen as the latest sign that the bank is open to further monetary easing measures to stave off the risk of deflation in the euro area.
In contrast, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated last week that interest rates may rise sooner if the economy continues to improve.
The pound edged lower, with GBP/USD easing 0.07% to 1.7076, off the almost six-year high of 1.7190 struck early last week.
AUD/USD fell 0.11% to 0.9381, while NZD/USD eased up 0.07% to 0.8694. Elsewhere, the Canadian dollar was moderately lower, with USD/CAD adding 0.08% to 1.0744.
The US Dollar Index, which tracks the performance of the greenback versus a basket of six other major currencies, was up 0.05% at 80.64, not far from last Thursday’s one month highs of 80.67.