NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The dollar declined in early trading on Monday, falling for a third session versus the euro, as U.S. equity futures pointed to a slightly higher opening ahead of reports this week expected to show an improvement in consumer confidence and fewer unemployment claims. The dollar index (DXY 77.57, -0.12, -0.15%) , a measure of the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of major currencies, slid to 77.623 from 77.836 in late New York trading on Thursday. Markets were closed on Friday for Christmas, and will be closed this Friday for New Year's Day. The euro rose to $1.4400, compared to $1.4361 on Thursday. "Expect thin and choppy trading conditions through the N.Y. session on Monday, as much of the rest of the world remains on holiday," said analysts at Action Economics. "Aside from a two-year Treasury auction, the calendar is empty, and as a result, U.S. dollar directional clues may be hard to find."
