Euro firms on easing eurozone debt worries

TOKYO: The euro firmed against the dollar and yen in Asia on Friday as investors breathed a sigh of relief over European bond sales that hinted at rising confidence in the region's public debt.

The euro bought $1.3475 and 104.88 yen in Tokyo morning trade, up from $1.3461 and 104.56 Japanese yen in New York late Thursday. The dollar rose to 77.85 yen from 77.66 yen.

The market was also keeping an eye on the release of US non-farm payrolls data later Friday for a snapshot of the jobs picture in the world's biggest economy

The Japanese unit could weaken briefly if the November US employment data comes in stronger than expected, said Junya Tanase, chief currency strategist at JPMorgan in Tokyo.

The euro held firm after solid bond auctions by France and Spain on Thursday in the wake of joint action by the world's major central banks to pump liquidity into the global financial system. (AFP)