Dollar Falls in London, Tokyo

The U.S. dollar ended slightly lower Tuesday in European trading becalmed by the absence of U.S. traders for a holiday and the retreat of European players to the sidelines.

Gold prices were higher.

Foreign exchange dealers said activity was generally light because of the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Trading grew progressively quieter during the afternoon.

On the London stock exchange, business was very quiet because the U.S. Independence Day holiday. The Financial Times 100-share index closed up 8.8 points at 2,174.4.

Traders said the dollar managed to firm to 141.55 yen in Europe as the clouded outlook for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party continues to make the yen look vulnerable.

In Tokyo, the dollar continued its fall against the Japanese yen Tuesday, while the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s main index edged down.

The Nikkei stock average of 225 selected issues lost 46.04 points, or 0.14%, closing at 33,190.38.

The dollar fell 1.55 yen to close at 140.95 yen. Later, in London, it was quoted at 141.55 yen.

In London, the dollar fell against the British pound. It cost $1.5870 to buy one pound, more expensive than $1.5775 late Monday.