Euro tops $1.37 for 1st time since March

The euro hit a six-month high against the dollar on Friday, climbing above $1.37 for the first time since March after upbeat data from China offered cheer on prospects for the global economy.

The dollar rose as high as $1.3763 before slipping back to $1.3728 in midday European trading. That was well clear of the previous five-month high of $1.3683 that it hit on Thursday.

A survey Friday showed that growth in Chinese manufacturing picked up pace in September, adding to evidence that the country's economic recovery remains on track.

For more: Euro tops $1.37 for 1st time since March - BusinessWeek