The U.S. dollar rose on Wednesday as news that China would act to restrict redundant investments underscored concerns about a global recovery and tempered the positive impact of data showing a jump in new U.S. home sales.

European equities rose early on Monday, with Irish drugmaker Elan leading the sector on reports Novartis was in talks to buy parts of the company, while commodity shares tracked firmer metals and crude prices.

Oil dropped more than 2 percent to below $68 a barrel on Monday as a stronger dollar and weaker European equities outweighed attacks on the oil industry in top African exporter Nigeria.

Oil fell more than a dollar to below $44 on Thursday as a record drop in euro zone economic performance heightened expectations that fuel consumption would shrink further.

U.S. data sparks flight to dollar…  Oil slips, traders fret over demand outlook…  Traders await ECB rate decision on Thursday.

Debt prices plummet, dollar gains… U.S. stocks fall on profit-taking but rise in Europe…  Dollar at 3-week high vs euro on hopes for stimulus plan… Oil gains as Gaza fighting raises Mideast supply worries.