1.   A weaker dollar makes U.S. goods less costly for importers in nations whose currencies have gained in value.

2.   Countries whose currencies have gained include Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, while currencies in Italy, Spain and the U.K. have weakened the most.

3.   In recent days, the U.S. currency had gained amid speculation the central bank would cut rates, making dollar deposits more attractive.

4.   Other Southeast Asian currencies also gained.

5.   The Canadian dollar rose against the U.S. dollar even as that currency gained on the Japanese yen and German mark.

6.   The currency also gained against the British pound because of concerns over the stability of the Conservative government there.

7.   The currency has gained almost a quarter of a cent since Monday.

8.   The German currency gained also because speculation persisted that German interest rates could rise.

9.   The German currency yesterday gained also because speculation persisted German interest rates could rise.

10.   The U.S. currency gained as investors bought dollars to take advantage of higher returns of U.S. assets.