FINANCIAL MARKETS : Currency : Dollar Mixed; Gold Steadies

The dollar turned in a mixed performance Monday, slipping against most major currencies in subdued trading in Japan and Europe but inching generally higher in the United States.

Gold prices advanced in Europe and Asia, but finished little changed in New York. Republic National Bank of New York said gold finished at $461.75 an ounce in New York, unchanged from late Friday.

Foreign exchange activity in the United States was very light as most banks were closed for the Columbus Day holiday.

In New York, the dollar slipped to 143.075 yen from 143.675 yen. But that was the only major currency against which the dollar declined in trading in the United States.

Late dollar rates in New York, compared to late rates Friday, included: 1.8150 West German marks, up from 1.8105; 6.0450 French francs, up from 6.0305; 1.5020 Swiss francs, up from 1.5010, and 1.3075 Canadian dollars, up from 1.30655. A quote on the Italian lira was unavailable.

In the precious metals markets, silver bullion rose in London to $7.80 an ounce from $7.78 late Friday. But silver for current delivery slipped 2.5 cents to $7.793 on the exchange in New York.