The dollar sank in European trading this morning as traders concentrated on U.S. economic weaknesses. Gold was higher. The dollar closed in Tokyo at 141.65 yen, down 0.65 yen from its close Wednesday. That was the lowest closing rate since Oct. 25, 1989. Later in London, the dollar was quoted at 141.09 yen. Other dollar rates at midmorning compared with late Wednesday: _1.5557 German marks, down from 1.5630 _1.2968 Swiss francs, up from 1.2963 _5.2140 French francs, down from 5.2375 _1.7540 Dutch guilders, down from 1.7607 _1,160.50 Italian lire, down from 1,166.00 _1.1500 Canadian dollars, down from 1.1532 In London, the British pound was quoted at $1.9045, compared with $1.8990 late Wednesday. A trader in Milan, Italy, said the market expected bad news for the U.S. economy when employment figures are released Friday. London's major bullion dealers fixed a recommended gold price of $388.25 at midmorning, up from $387.75 Wednesday. In Zurich, the bid price was $388.00, from $385.75 late Wednesday. Gold in Hong Kong rose $3.57 an ounce today, to close at $387.59. Silver traded in London at a bid price of $4.84 a troy ounce, up from Wednesday's $4.78.
