Euro breaks above $1.51 in thin trade to 2009 high

NEW YORK Nov 25 (Reuters) - The euro vaulted to a fresh 2009 high above $1.51 in thin trading conditions on Wednesday as market activity began winding down ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

The dollar had been under pressure all day as upbeat data on weekly jobless claims boosted risk appetite and markets continued to expect U.S. interest rates would remain low.

The euro rose as high as $1.5140 EUR=, according to Reuters data, its highest level in 15 months, and was last at $1.5125, up 1.1 percent on the day. An index of the dollar against six major currencies .DXY also fell 1 percent to a 15-month trough.

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