Dollar Loses Ground To Yen

The dollar extended its modest slide against the Japanese yen Tuesday as currency traders continued to view Japan as the safest haven in Asia.

Overall the dollar rose against major currencies, moving higher against the German mark as infighting over single-currency matters continued. The dollar also halted its decline against the British pound following economic comments by the head of the Bank of England.

Early yen buying was buttressed by rising share prices in Tokyo, where the Nikkei Stock Average gained 0.64 percent. The Nikkei has gained 11.6 percent since Jan. 12, when it closed at its lowest level in more than 2-1/2 years.

Exchange Currency in Dollars Dollar in foreign currency Canada .6947 1.4395 France .1624 6.1580 Germany .5435 1.8398 Great Britain 1.6276 .6144 Italy .000553 1807.25 Japan .007788 128.40 Mexico .121758 8.2130