U.S. dollar trades higher across Europe

LONDON (UPI): The U.S. dollar traded higher across Europe yesterday morning, partly in response to a strong performance by U.S. shares last week, and due to rising hopes for the U.S. economy generally.

In Frankfurt, the dollar opened at 1.1279 German marks, up from the previous close of 1.5020.

In Zurich, the dollar opened at 1.2760 Swiss francs, up from the previous close of 1.2670.

In London, the pound opened at US$1.6801, down a touch ahead of today's annual budget from the previous close of $1.6816.

In Paris, the dollar opened at 5.1279 French francs, up sharply from the previous close of 5.0895.

In Brussels, the dollar opened at 31.20 Belgian francs, up from the previous close of 30.99.

In Milan, the dollar opened at 1,504 Italian lira, up from the previous close of 1,498.21.

In Tokyo, the dollar closed at 112.25 Japanese yen, up from the previous close of 111.25.

In Singapore, the dollar closed at S$1.4016, up slightly from the previous close at 1.4005.

In Hong Kong, the dollar closed at HK$7.7320, virtually unchanged from the previous close of 7.7319.

Gold opened at $375.20 an ounce in Zurich, down from the previous close at $377.45, while in London it started unchanged at $377.00. In Hong Kong gold closed at US$375.25, down from the previous close at $377.05.

Silver opened at $4.84 in Zurich, down from $4.89, while in London it opened unchanged at d4.87.