Economic News Boosts Dollar

The dollar strengthened Tuesday on positive U.S. economic data and a German mark weakened in trading with other currencies on the possibility of further German interest rate reductions.

The gains came in a thin and choppy market with few traders still working ahead of the Labor Day weekend. The dollar, which had been in a retreat since late last week, rose more than a German pfennig and more than a Japanese yen.

In late New York trading, the dollar fetched 1.4765 marks, up from 1.4636 late Tuesday. The dollar also rose to 98.05 yen from 96.69.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .7464 1.3397 France .1970 5.0760 Germany .6783 1.4743 Great Britain 1.5450 .6472 Italy .000612 1633.00 Japan .010229 97.76 Mexico .158228 6.3200