The dollar rose against the yen and the euro, as the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest level in three weeks, and the index of manufacturing activity rose more than expected, adding evidence that the economy is recovering.

The pound rose to its highest level in two weeks against the dollar as a report showed that house prices in the UK jumped in October. Also today, it became known to increase UK economic forecasts for this year and next year.

The Japanese currency has weakened against the euro, as investors await the publication of minutes of the Bank of Japan, and amid speculation the central bank will hold a loosening of monetary policy in the future.

The dollar index, which is used to track the value of the dollar against the currencies of six U.S. partners, rose by 0.2% to 80.061.

The Canadian dollar strengthened to near three-month low against its U.S. counterpart as a sudden increase in production in the U.S., which is the largest trading partner of Canada raised the appetite for risk among investors.