New York, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The dollar dropped slightly against most major currencies late in New York Thursday after volatile trading.

    The euro hit a two-month low against the dollar in early trading, hurt by weak European economic data and a report that U.S. and European officials want the dollar to strengthen.

    A Financial Times report said the United States and Europe have a united desire to see the dollar strengthen against the euro, citing officials on both sides of the Atlantic.

    The 15-nation currency regained grounds after the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to keep rate unchanged at 4 percent at a policy meeting.

    ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said the central bank must ensure inflation remains temporary even as risks to euro zone growth prevail.

    Trichet failed to dampen his hawkish stance despite softening euro-zone growth and inflation data, analysts said.

    The euro bought 1.5404 dollars in late New York trading compared with 1.5401 dollars it bought late Wednesday. The British pound rose to 1.5404 dollars from 1.5401 dollars.

    The dollar fell to 1.0523 Swiss francs from 1.0550 Swiss francs, and fell to 104.17 Japanese yen from 105.26 Japanese yen. It rose to 1.0176 Canadian dollars from 1.0068 Canadian dollars.