Early trade in New York: Euro hits near two-week high

The euro on Monday leaped to its highest level against the dollar in nearly two weeks, buoyed by appetite for risk on optimism that Greece will receive more funding and signs of progress on resolving a looming US fiscal crisis. The common currency shared by the 17 euro zone countries, however, is still down 1.2 percent so far in November and analysts said it should struggle to retain gains even if concerns about Greece abate.
The euro was last up 0.5 percent at $1.2804, having hit a high of $1.2819, its highest since November 7. Against the yen, the dollar last traded down 0.1 percent at 81.18 yen, according to Reuters data.