*** German political comment and EZ.....>

EURO-DOLLAR: *** German political comment and EZ data keep Eur buoyed. 

Asia maintained the recovering tone in Eur/Usd, seen from Wednesday's low of

$1.1736, the rate having pushed on Thursday to $1.1856, with Asia taking it on

to $1.1859 from an early dip low of $1.1837. Upside pace has slowed but

underlying tone remains positive, though now seen needing a break above the

$1.1860/70 area to boost upside potential further. Rate trades around $1.1846 at

writing. Support $1.1837-24.

* Article in Bild suggests Greens pushing Merkel to forge coalition with SPD. 

- Talk Thursday suggests SPD open to talks.   

* Germany Ifo 0900GMT, market median Business Confidence 116.7, Expectations

108.8, Current Assessment 125.

- Belgian Business Confidence Thursday stronger than forecast at 1.6(forecast

0.8), often a signal for Ifo.

* Options: Expiries $1.1700(E1.39bn), $1.1750-55(E666mn), $1.1900(E364mn).