Dollar Hits 19-Month High Vs. Yen

The dollar surged to a 19-month high against the Japanese yen Wednesday as investors continued to seek higher-yielding currencies.

The dollar also strengthened against the German mark, which suffers from the same ills as the yen: Its yields are not as attractive as other European currencies.

In late New York trading Wednesday, the dollar finished at 1.4453 marks, up from 1.4367. The dollar was quoted at 104.87 Japanese yen, up from 103.92 late Tuesday and its highest level since June 6, 1994, when it closed at 105.3.

Currency in Dollar in Exchange Dollars foreign currency

Canada .7393 1.3527 France .2029 4.9296 Germany .6919 1.4467 Great Britain 1.5515 .6445 Italy .000635 1574.00 Japan .009536 104.87 Mexico .132275 7.5600