Euro gains nearly 0.5, but close to parity with dlr
Aussie adds 1.1 after China boost, stock mkt rally
All eyes on Fed Chair39;s upcoming speech at Jackson Hole

LONDON, Aug 25 Reuters The euro rebounded back above parity with the dollar on Thursday as the U.S. currency39;s recent rally ran out of steam and investors waited to see whether Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell would sound a more hawkish tone at a meeting this week.

A more bullish mood across markets also helped the euro, as well as currencies linked to broad investor sentiment such as the Australian dollar, which rallied nearly 1.

Investors have also been bracing for the Fed to double down on its commitment to crushing inflation at its annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Powell is due to speak. 

The eurodollar39;s direction this week has largely been driven by soaring natural gas prices, which are correlated with a weaker euro because of the region39;s dependence on gas for its energy needs. Worries about the global economy had sent investors into dollars earlier this week.

The main driver of U.S. dollar weakness overnight has been a temporary easing of global growth concerns, said Lee Hardman, an analyst at MUFG, citing media reports that Chinese authorities are stepping up economic support measures with more planned funding for infrastructure.

By 0810 GMT, the U.S. dollar index , which measures the greenback against six counterparts, eased 0.4 to 108.17, but remained not far from its…