Dollar Eases Slightly Vs. Yen

The dollar reversed course against the yen Thursday, weakening on rumors of a collapse in U.S.-Japan automotive trade talks and fears of further slowing in the American economy.

But the dollar strengthened against the German mark, which foreign exchange dealers called the indirect result of a rebounding Italian lire. Many dealers were selling marks and buying lire on optimism that Italy’s government could work out a pension reform plan that would lessen its borrowing needs.

The dollar eased against the Japanese currency in U.S. dealings. As of 4 p.m. Eastern time, the dollar fetched 83.70 yen, down from 83.78 the day before.

Currency in Dollar in

Exchange Dollars foreign currency

Canada .7342 1.3621

France .2052 4.8730

Germany .7275 1.3745

Great Britain 1.6183 .6179

Italy .000589 1698.00

Japan .011976 83.50

Mexico .163399 6.1200