Euro lowest since 2006 on worries over Greece exit, ECB plans

New York

THE EURO weakened to an almost nine-year low versus the dollar amid investor concern Greece might leave the currency union and on speculation the European Central Bank has moved closer to large-scale sovereign-bond purchases.

A gauge of the dollar reached the strongest in nine years with the Federal Reserve moving towards raising interest rates. The yen rose to an eight-week high against the euro as a slide in Asian stocks boosted demand for haven assets. Russia's ruble tumbled as oil fell. The pound fell a second day. Volatility jumped to the highest in more than a year.