The leu opened at 4.3385/4.34 to the euro, slightly weaker from 4.3365/4.3385 to the euro at Thursday closing.
However, it later gained to an early high of 4.33/4.3325 per euro, on significant euro sales. At around 10:15 local time (GMT0815), the leu traded at 4.3325/4.334 per euro.
Dealers believe the leu was lifted by sales of hard currency made by a local bank that got the central bank’s approval to write off provisions to comply with IFRS regulations.
The Romanian central bank set Thursday the leu’s reference rate at 4.3396 to the euro, 0.16% stronger on the day.
On the money market Friday morning, overnight rates stood at 4%-4.5% a year.