31.   The only significant activity was by Japanese investors, who bought marks for yen, attracted by German interest rates.

32.   The U.S. currency got an indirect nudge higher against the yen -- and lower against the mark -- as traders bought marks for yen.

33.   The U.S. currency often suffers when the mark strengthens against other European currencies because speculators look for all opportunities to buy the mark.

34.   The turmoil in Italy and France has caused traders to buy marks for European currencies.

35.   The U.S. currency dipped against the mark as traders bought marks for yen.

36.   They would also boost the dollar by making German assets such as bank deposits less attractive to investors, who would then buy fewer marks.

37.   To buy marks for the British pound, traders often sell the U.K. currency for the dollar and then sell the U.S. currency for the German currency.

38.   To buy marks for pounds, traders often sell the U.K. currency for the dollar and then sell the U.S. currency for the German currency.

39.   To buy marks for yen, traders often sell marks for dollars and then sell the dollars for yen.

40.   Traders also reported earlier this month that the Bank of Finland bought marks for markkaa.