Dollar Mixed; Gold Drops

The dollar gave a mixed performance in listless European trading today.

Foreign exchange dealers said many participants kept to the sidelines, apparently awaiting the economic indicators due for release later this week, including the September U.S. trade figures on Thursday.

In Tokyo, the dollar edged up to a closing 159.35 Japanese yen from 159.30 yen at Tuesday’s close. Later, in London, it rose to 160.28 yen.

Other late dollar rates in Europe, compared to late rates Tuesday were: 2.0265 West German marks, down from 2.0295; 1.6735 Swiss francs, up from 1.6733; 6.6225 French francs, down from 6.6355; 2.2940 Dutch guilders, unchanged; 1,401.75 Italian lire, down from 1,403.50, and 1.3885 Canadian dollars, up from 1.3876.

In London, the British pound dipped to $1.4130 from $1.4140 late Tuesday.

Gold fell in London to a late bid price of $404.50 an ounce--its lowest level in late London trading since Sept. 2--compared to $412 bid late Tuesday.

In Zurich, the metal fell to $407.50 from $409.90.

In Hong Kong, gold fell to a closing bid of $409.37, down from $409.43.

Silver bullion also fell in London to a late bid price of $5.60 an ounce, down from $5.68 bid late Tuesday.