Early trade in New York: Euro plunges to 2013 low

The euro tumbled to a 2013 low against the US dollar on Friday while the dollar rose to a six-month high against a basket of currencies as weak euro zone data highlighted a growing economic disparity with the United States. Speculation that the European Central Bank may take action to curb economic deterioration gathered pace after benign euro zone inflation data, with the euro falling below the key psychological level of $1.30 for the first time since December.
The dollar index reached its highest level since late August. It gained as the euro fell to a 2013 trough of $1.2985, its lowest since December 11. Option barriers were cited at $1.2950 and $1.2900. Against the yen, the dollar last traded at 92.78 yen, up 0.3 percent on the day, according to Reuters data.