Euro Near 2-Month High Before Industrial Orders; Aussie Weakens

The euro traded near a two-month high against the dollar and the yen before a report that economists said will show new industrial orders in the 17-nation region quickened in November.

The single currency was close to the strongest in two weeks versus the pound after European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said that policy makers will “closely” monitor energy and commodity prices, signaling possible higher interest rates. Australia’s dollar fell toward a seven-week low against the greenback after a government report showed producer prices rose the least in a year.