Dollar hits one-month high; Brent oil tops $100

The US dollar rose to its highest level in one month on Thursday, as the price of Brent crude oil climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since early August. The euro weakened after the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to keep its key interest rate unchanged, surprising some investors who had expected a rate increase. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, gained 0.4% to reach 104.50. The move was driven by strong US economic data and rising energy costs. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, settled at $100.80 a barrel, up 2.1%, as supply concerns from major producers and strong demand in the US pushed prices higher. The euro fell 0.5% against the dollar to trade at $1.0850. The ECB held its main refinancing rate at 4.25%, citing persistent inflation but also concerns about slowing economic growth in the eurozone. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the bank would "keep all options open" for future decisions, but the lack of immediate action disappointed traders who had bet on a rate hike. The stronger dollar and higher oil prices could put pressure on other currencies and raise costs for countries that import crude. Analysts say the combination may also increase inflation worries, as energy prices often feed into broader consumer costs.