The leu opened flat at 4.473/4.475 per euro and further gained ground, hitting an early high of 4.467 per euro. The sentiment in the region improved Monday, as Greek polls showed parties supporting EU and IMF-backed austerity measures might win the upcoming elections.
However, investors are concerned about the banking market in Spain, after reports that the country’s fourth largest lender Bankia has asked for a government aid of EUR19 billion.
The central bank set the leu’s reference at 4.4641 to the euro, slightly stronger on the day. The leu also appreciated modestly against the US dollar, trading at 3.5473 units, from 3.5492 units Friday.
On the money market, overnight rates were at 4.8%-5.3% a year, little changed on the day.