Investing.com - The dollar remained broadly higher against other major currencies on Wednesday, as the release of upbeat U.S. housing sector data added to optimism over the strength of the economy.
EUR/USD dropped 0.52% to 1.0758, the lowest since March 21.
The U.S. National Association of Realtors said its pending home sales increased by 5.5% last month, more than doubling expectations for an increase of 2.4%.
The dollar had already strengthened after the U.S. Consumer Board said on Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to a nearly 17-year high of 125.6 in March from 116.1 the previous month, far above expectations of a reading of 114.
Meanwhile, the euro came under pressure after Reuters reported that European Central Bank policymakers are wary of adjusting their policy message in April amid concerns over a potential surge in borrowing costs in the bloc’s periphery.
Elsewhere, GBP/USD slipped 0.14% to 1.2430, after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, formally beginning the two year process of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
USD/JPY edged down 0.17% to 110.98, while USD/CHF gained 0.35% to 0.9960.
The Australian and New Zealand dollars were higher, with AUD/USD up 0.41% at 0.7664 and with NZD/USD adding 0.19% to 0.7028.
Meanwhile, USD/CAD fell 0.16% to trade at 1.3362.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was up 0.33% at 99.86, the highest since March 21.