U.S. dollar declines amid economic data

NEW YORK, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. dollar fell against most major currencies Wednesday, as investors were digesting the latest economic data.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased in December, following a modest improvement in November. The Index now stands at 122.1, down from 128.6 in November.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 0.2 percent to 109.5 in November from 109.3 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors on Wednesday.

With last month's modest increase, the index remains at its highest reading since June, and is now 0.8 percent above a year ago.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, was down 0.25 percent at 93.024 in late trading.

In late New York trading, the euro increased to 1.1897 dollars from 1.1864 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound increased to 1.3399 dollars from 1.3379 U.S. dollars in the previous session. The Australian dollar rose to 0.7775 dollar from 0.7728 dollar.

The dollar bought 113.25 Japanese yen, higher than 113.16 yen of the previous session. The U.S. dollar lost to 0.9867 Swiss franc from 0.9893 Swiss franc, and it was down to 1.2643 Canadian dollars from 1.2697 Canadian dollars. Enditem