Dollar Mostly Higher

The dollar ended mostly higher Tuesday, overcoming unexpectedly weak U.S. economic news and a French-Italian spat over Europe’s single-currency plan, which briefly boosted the mark.

Traders attributed the dollar’s strength to underlying demand for the currency, as well as a boost it received from a weekend meeting of the Group of Seven Finance Ministers from the richest industrialized countries, who called for a strong dollar.

“I think everyone seems fairly happy with the dollar,” said Roger Chapin, foreign exchange manager at Bank One in Columbus, Ohio. “Certainly the G-7 gave it a blessing.”

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency

Canada .7353 1.3600

France .1935 5.1675

Germany .6553 1.5260

Great Britain 1.5645 .6392

Italy .000657 1522.50

Japan .008982 111.33

Mexico .133103 7.5130