Dollar hits new lows as markets await debt deal

The dollar has hit a record low against the Swiss franc as investors are kept waiting for signs of progress in US lawmakers' attempt to raise the debt ceiling.

A speech by US president Barack Obama indicating no deal was imminent pushed the dollar down against a basket of currencies, including the troubled euro, and saw gold maintain this week's fresh high of $1,615 an ounce. The dollar fell to a record low of 80.06 Swiss centimes and also dipped below 78 yen, its lowest level against the Japanese currency since March, after Obama said the debt impasse could "do serious damage" to the US economy. The currency also touched a three-week low against the euro despite fears over the strength of the eurozone's latest bailout package. Eurozone bank...