Against the US dollar, however, the leu’s indicative lost 0.35% on the day to 3.52 units.
The leu opened flat at 4.561/4.563 to the euro, but further gained ground, hitting an early high of 4.5515 to the euro.
Market participants said the central bank is probably selling foreign currency from the Finance Ministry, as the latter must repay some due debt. Trade volumes remain low, so the leu appreciated fast against the euro.
Investors didn’t immediately react to news that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has cut its growth forecast on Romanian economy to 0.5% in 2012, from 0.8% previously. The foreign institution cited several reasons for the revision, including the eurozone debt crisis, a prolonged drought and political uncertainty at home.
In the money market, overnight rates were flat at 4.9%-5.4% a year.