Dollar, euro in tight range as pound drops

The euro stood at $1.2953 and 136.08 yen, compared with $1.2951 and 136.14 yen in US trade.

Tokyo: The dollar and euro moved in a narrow range on Monday after the European Central Bank`s surprise stimulus moves, while the British pound dropped as next week`s Scottish independence vote tightens.

The greenback was at 105.05 yen, against 105.06 yen in New York on Friday.

The euro stood at $1.2953 and 136.08 yen, compared with $1.2951 and 136.14 yen in US trade.

The pound bought $1.6225, extending its slide from $1.6323 after a YouGov survey for the Sunday Times showed Scotland was on course to vote break away from the United Kingdom at the September 18 referendum. 

A "Yes" vote would see the end of a 307 year union with England, although details of what currency an independent Scotland would use and what effect its secession would have on the British economy are murky.

"The pound has gapped lower by more than a big figure" following the survey, the National Bank of Australia said in a note to clients. Previous polls have shown voters are expected to opt for the status quo.

Investors were also eyeing the ceasefire in Ukraine, which Kiev and pro-Russian rebels signed last week. Sporadic fighting and a lack of detail on the terms were casting doubt on its feasibility.

The euro could face further pressure as investors digest the ECB`s deflation-fighting package, including an unexpected rate cut, to boost the economy.

"The latest ECB policy surprise is likely to drive an even greater `yield-wedge` between the euro, the dollar and other core currencies in the coming month," Credit Agricole said in a note to its clients.

Any further "refinement" of ECB chief Mario Draghi`s comments could also weigh on the single currency, the bank said.

"Indeed, many investors are likely to be motivated to accelerate their rebalancing plans on seemingly greater ECB determination to lift eurozone competitiveness," Credit Agricole said.

The market reacted little to revised Japanese data showing the world`s third largest economy shrank 1.8 percent in three months to June, worse than the previously estimated fall of 1.7 percent.

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