Singapore, April 20 (QNA) - The US dollar firmed to its highest level ​in a week against major currencies on Monday before paring gains as renewed Middle East tensions.

At the same time, compared to the sharp jump in oil prices, moves in currency markets were restrained, with the dollar giving back some of its early gains by mid-morning in Asia.

The euro last bought $1.1757 after hitting a one-week low of $1.1729 earlier in the session, while sterling was 0.11% lower at $1.3503. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar fell 0.17% to $0.7155.

The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six peers, was at 98.30, hovering near its highest in a week and recouping some of its recent losses.

The New Zealand dollar eased slightly to $0.5876.

The yen weakened to 159.06 per dollar, just shy of the crucial 160 level.

The dollar also rose against the Chinese yuan by 0.1%, reaching 6.8244 yuan in offshore trading. (QNA)