Forex - Dollar down against major rivals on Greece hopes

Forex Pros – The U.S. dollar was down against other major currencies on Monday, as risk appetite sharpened amid expectations that euro zone nations would assist Greece in plugging its gaping budget deficit. 

The greenback was down against the euro and pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.32% to hit 1.3667 and GBP/USD climbing 0.29% to hit 1.5178. 

It also slid against the Swiss franc and yen, with USD/CHF shedding 0.32% to hit 1.0705 and USD/JPY slid 0.01% to reach 90.29. 

In addition, the U.S. dollar dropped against its Australian, Canadian and Kiwi counterparts: AUD/USD jumped 0.56% to hit 0.9128, USD/CAD fell 0.3% to hit 1.0267 and NZD/USD shot up 0.78% to reach 0.7016. 

The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the greenback versus a basket of six other major currencies, was down 0.3%. 

On Sunday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the euro zone was ready to rescue Greece. 

"I want to be very clear. If necessary, eurozone governments will fulfill their commitments and there can be no doubt about that," AFP quoted Sarkozy as telling a joint news conference with the Greek prime minister, George Papandreou. 

His comments came after fears over the debt-laden country had battered the single European currency for months. 

Meanwhile, Papandreou was set to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.