The U.S. dollar remained strong in early trade on Monday, underpinned by upbeat economic data and expectations Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will signal more U.S. rate rises, but volume was thin due to a Japanese holiday. Improving economic data in the United States boosted the dollar last week and reinforced expectations the Federal Reserve would continue to raise interest rates. On Friday better-than-expected reports for New York area manufacturing, national industrial production and consumer sentiment all helped confirm the view that the economy is on a solid footing. At the same time, producer price inflation proved softer than analysts had expected. Greenspan is due to deliver his semi-annual testimony on the economy to Congress on Wednesday and Thursday. Economists expect he will sound bullish about the economy and also suggest the Fed should extend its year-long tightening cycle. The dollar gained half a percent against the euro last week, although it ended Friday around $1.2043, over 2 cents off its highest levels during the week. At 0040 GMT, it was quoted around $1.2050 per euro. It was at 112.30 yen, little changed from the 112.23 yen level seen in late New York trade.