The euro dropped today as the European sovereign-debt crisis continues undermine the confidence in Europe’s economy and after Ireland’s credit rating was downgraded.

The Canadian dollar rose today after crude oil, the main Canadian export, climbed to the highest level in 26 months and as the optimism for the global economic recovery boosted the currencies linked to the growth.

The Chinese yuan gained today on the speculation that the growing trade surplus would prompt the Chinese government to allow faster appreciation of the currency.

The Australian dollar gained today after the government report showed that the Australian employers added twice as many jobs as was predicted by the experts.

The US dollar gained against the Japanese yen today on the speculation that the extended tax cuts would help the economy of the US. The currency also posted gains versus the euro, before retreating, as the concern for Europe’s debt troubles increased the appeal of the greenback as the safe currency.

The Canadian dollar rose today on the speculation that the tax reduction in the US, the biggest trading partner of Canada, would bolster the economic growth.

The South African rand slips today as the fundamentals, including the Korean conflict and China’s plans to curb its economic growth, weren’t favorable to the riskier currencies.

The New Zealand dollar extended its losses today on the forecast that the New Zealand central bank would keep the interest rates unchanged and as the economic growth may be slower than previously predicted.

The Canadian dollar rose today after it fell yesterday as Canada’s central bank kept the interest rates unchanged and the commodities, including crude oil, dropped, decreasing appeal of the currencies linked to the economic growth.

The Great Britain pound rose today as the UK retail sales in November and Britain’s manufacturing in October in increased more than was forecast.