Early cover of expected USD sell........>

EURO-DOLLAR: Early cover of expected USD sell month-end flow suggested to have

provided the upside pressure to take EUR/USD through its Dec13 high of $1.1199

and onto $1.1211. Rate has pulled back to trade back below $1.1200 into Europe,

though underlying buoyant tone remains in place. However, if this early covering

it could leave the market exposed to a short USD squeeze ahead of Tuesday's

month-end/year-end fixings. If rate can build on this current recovery it opens

move toward $1.1230 ahead of $1.1240/50. Support $1.1170, $1.1143(200-dma) ahead

of $1.1110/00. Markets expected to remain thin due to extended holidays over the

Christmas and New Year, with Japan closed from Tuesday through Friday.

- Data interest today seen on US Advance Trade Balance at 1330GMT, Chicago PMI

1445GMT, Pending Home Sales 1500GMT.