Dollar Mostly Lower

The dollar fell to a 20-month low against the British pound Monday and ended mostly weaker in other foreign-exchange dealings, hurt by traders selling the U.S. currency ahead of the elections.

Although a victory today by President Clinton has been factored into the market, traders said fear of strong Democratic gains in House and Senate races was pressuring the dollar against most key currencies.

The Democrats are perceived to be far more willing than the Republicans to increase the budget deficit, which raises the risk of inflation and can undermine investor confidence in U.S. assets.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .7485 1.3360 France .1957 5.1090 Germany .6621 1.5104 Great Britain 1.6449 .6079 Italy .0006590 1517.50 Japan .008791 113.75 Mexico .126662 7.8950