US economic data has been trending somewhat firmer of late, holding up well despite market turmoil from Europe.

Retail sales data from the US is expected to come in on an upbeat note, seen rising 0.6% in November and 0.5% when stripping out autos.

If the US is able to hold its own economically while Europe struggles, it stands to reason that both stocks and the dollar can rise in tandem for a change.

EUR/USD is coming under pressure again in early US trade, down to 1.3185 from a morning high of 1.3237.