Dollar Mixed; Gold Drops

The dollar was mixed against major currencies at the end of trading in Europe Wednesday. Gold prices fell by more than $4 an ounce.

The dollar dropped on reports that U.S. retail sales in September rose by only 0.1% when auto sales were excluded, lower than market expectations.

The exchange rate stayed low when the West German central bank did not continue its Tuesday purchases of dollars. By the end of the day, dealers said that the market was lethargic.

The dollar first fell below 2 marks on Sept. 18 and has been fluctuating around that level since.

Gold prices declined for the second straight session.

The late London bid price was $423.50 a troy ounce, down from $428.75 late Wednesday.