Investing.com - The greenback increased on Tuesday as activity in the U.S. economy’s service sector picked up.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, gained 0.29% to 96.893 as of 10:47 AM ET (15:47 GMT).
The dollar strengthened after the Institute of Supply Management said its non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 59.7 from 56.7 in January, while a separate report showed that new home sales rose to a seven-month high in December.
Meanwhile, China’s lower growth forecasts dimmed news that Washington and Beijing could formally sign a trade deal around March 27.
China said on Tuesday it was targeting economic growth of 6.0% to 6.5% in 2019, down from the 6.6% growth reported last year, which was already the lowest in decades.
The dollar was up against the safe-haven yen, with USD/JPY rising 0.2% to 111.92.
Elsewhere, the pound slipped as Brexit negotiations continued, with GBP/USD down 0.5% to 1.3118. The euro was lower amid expectations that the European Central Bank will give banks cheaper funding at its next policy meeting on Thursday. EUR/USD fell 0.34% to 1.1296.
In Australia, the AUD/USD decreased 0.4% to 0.7065, while NZD/USD slumped 0.6% to 0.6775. The loonie was lower, with USD/CAD up 0.4% to 1.3354.