CURRENCY : Dollar Gains; Gold Prices Rise Abroad, Fall in N.Y.

The dollar rose Tuesday, strengthened by year-end corporate demand, speculation of higher U.S. interest rates and a sharp jump in oil prices.

Gold prices fell marginally in New York after mostly rising abroad. Republic National Bank of New York said its late quote was $413.90 an ounce, down from $414 late Monday.

Currency strategists attributed the dollar’s rise largely to orders for the currency from U.S.-based multinationals preparing to repatriate 1988 earnings.

“There is always good corporate demand for dollars in the last couple of weeks of the year,” said Stuart Yannalfo, senior foreign exchange trader at Refco Inc., a New York commodities futures firm.

Others said persistent speculation that the Federal Reserve would tighten interest rates in the United States raised demand for dollars. Higher interest rates make dollar-denominated holdings worth more.

In addition, an oil price hike in the energy markets supported the U.S. currency, since most oil contracts are priced in dollars. A rise in oil prices theoretically raises demand for dollars to pay for the oil.

In gold trading, bullion for current delivery fell 40 cents an ounce to $414 on the New York Commodity Exchange. Earlier in London, prices remained unchanged at $414.25. In Zurich, Switzerland, gold rose $1.25 to $413.50 and in Hong Kong it rose 5 cents to $415.67.

Silver for current delivery fell 1.7 cents an ounce to $6.093 on the New York Commodity Exchange. In London, silver rose 3 cents to $6.11.