The leu opened at 4.3545/4.3575 versus the euro, weaker from 4.3465/4.347 per euro at Wednesday’s close.
In the first hour of trading, the local currency depreciated even further and traded above 4.36 to the euro.
According to dealers, the leu is on a downward trend, similar to most currencies in the region, following an unexpected contraction of China’s manufacturing and worries that the Federal Reserve might trim bond purchases.
The central bank set the leu’s reference at 4.3465 per euro Wednesday, modestly stronger on the day. The leu strengthened against the US dollar as well and gained 0.5% on the day to 3.3601 units, from a five-week low of 3.3781 units a day earlier.
On the money market Thursday morning, overnight rates were at 2%-2.75% a year.