Eurozone services growth

The eurozone Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 56.6 in December from 57.5 in November, where a reading above 50 indicates expansion. The reading was lower than the expectations for a gain to 58.

EURO BREAKS THROUGH U.S. DOLLAR
There was little sign of respite for the dollar this week, with both the euro and sterling gaining further against the U.S. currency.
Early this week the euro hit another record high, crossing the $1.27 level to USD1.2715, while the pound pushed to a new 11-year high, at $1.8136.

BANK OF IRELAND BEGINS SHARE BUYBACK
Bank of Ireland has made its first share purchase of the New Year, continuing a buyback scheme that saw it spend almost