Dollar Hits 3-1/2-Year High Vs. Mark

The dollar set a nearly 3-1/2-year high against the mark Monday on continued strength of the British pound against the German currency and hints that strict financial criteria for the common European currency may have to be eased.

Against the Japanese yen, the dollar finished only slightly higher as the long-anticipated handover of Hong Kong to Chinese rule took place without incident.

By day’s end in New York, the dollar had risen to 1.7443 marks from 1.7387 on Friday, its highest close since February 1994.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .7245 1.3803 France .1702 5.8755 Germany .5733 1.7443 Great Britain 1.6647 .6007 Italy .000590 1695.00 Japan .008727 114.59 Mexico .126176 7.9260