EUR/USD has opened firmer in Europe, presently at 1.4615 from a North American close Thursday around 1.4585. Risk appetite has received a further boost from the release of a raft of encouraging Chinese economic data.
Among the releases were Chinese August industrial production up 12.3% y/y; August retail sales up 15.4% y/y, and August new lending showing banks extending a hefty 410.4 bln yuan ($60.1 bln) in local currency loans.
Technical support for EUR/USD at 1.4600 and 1.4570/75, resistances 1.4620/25 and 1.4645/50.
Talk of sovereign offers lined up in 1.4620/30 area has so far proven durable barrier to accelerated upside.
Nothing of note in the way of euro zone economic data today;
08:00 GMT: Italian industrial production for July expected _0.45 m/m, -21.0% y/y