THE Chinese, a nation which invented water torture, must have received perverse pleasure in watching yesterday’s Olympic Women’s Triathlon final.

THE dollar struck a two-month high against the euro yesterday, driven by the belief the US Federal Reserve may introduce a tough interest rate regime.

THE Martin Donnelly Junior Tour arrived in Carrick-on-Suir last night with no change to the overall positions.

The euro firmed against the dollar in midafternoon trade, buoyed by a weaker-than-expected US ISM manufacturing index for August, dealers said.

The euro ticked higher in midday London trade despite the fall in German manufacturing orders, but remains vulnerable to another move down when Wall Street opens later today, dealers said.