Swiss Franc’s Fall Boosts Dollar

The dollar rose against European currencies Wednesday as the Swiss franc sold off and the U.S. currency also gained against the Japanese yen on doubts about the strength of Asian economies.

The Swiss franc’s fall dominated European currencies, along with the rise of the British pound on speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates.

The dollar’s gains came during an absence of news. “There still is not a lot of substance to be traded on,” said Robert Houck, a vice president at Norwest Bank Corp. in Minneapolis.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .7035 1.4215 France .1640 6.0970 Germany .5499 1.8184 Great Britain 1.6477 .6069 Italy .000559 1788.00 Japan .007893 126.70 Mexico .116577 8.5780