Data released moments before by the US Census Bureau showed a rise in US retail sales better than market expectations, as sales rose by about 1.7% in October, the highest level in seven months, and rose for the third month in a row, after rising by about 0.7% in the September reading revised to 0.8 %, while expectations indicated that it would rise by 1.3%.

Core sales, excluding car prices, recorded a growth in October by 1.7%, compared to 0.7% recorded in September, and revised from 0.8%, better than expectations that indicated a growth of 1%.

The Dollar Index, which measures the dollar’s performance against a basket of currencies, is trading at its highest level today, Tuesday, at 95.59.