Dollar Prices Mixed in Slow Trading Pace

The U.S. dollar gave a mixed but steady performance in quiet European trading today.

The price of gold fell in Zurich but was unchanged in London.

Dealers said the dollar was underpinned by the West German central bank’s intervention to support the dollar in the last two days. It also continued to draw strength from Tuesday’s better-than-expected U.S. trade figures, they said.

Other late dollar rates in Europe, compared to late rates Tuesday were: 2.0225 West German marks, down from 2.0265; 1.6448 Swiss francs, up from 1.6430; 6.6345 French francs, down from 6.6355; 2.2890 Dutch guilders, up from 2.2885; 1,401.50 Italian lire, down from 1,402.00; and 1.3895 Canadian dollars, up from 1.3875.

The British pound fell to $1.4445 from $1.4480 late Tuesday.

In Tokyo, the dollar also edged up, closing at 154.27 Japanese yen, compared to 153.63 yen at Tuesday’s close.

Gold bullion fell in Zurich to a late bid price of $423.20 an ounce, down from $424.50 bid late Tuesday.

In London, the metal was quoted at $423.75, unchanged.