Euro Apprehension Boosts Dollar

The dollar advanced Wednesday after more fiscal uncertainty in Germany and the appointment of three Communists to France’s new Cabinet reinforced fears that Europe’s single currency will be weak.

Demand for dollars pushed the currency close to its 39-month high against the mark reached a month ago, and reflected the rising apprehension in the foreign-exchange market over the outlook for the single currency, known as the euro.

“The market’s jittery and people want to buy dollars,” said Enrico Caruso, a vice president at Dresdner Bank in New York.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .7269 1.3757 France .1714 5.8330 Germany .5783 1.7292 Great Britain 1.6324 .6126 Italy .000589 1697.50 Japan .008602 116.25 Mexico .126342 7.9150