The dollar was higher against all major currencies except the Japanese yen in late New York trading Friday after the Labor Department released stronger-than-expected employment figures.

But the news, which analysts said lessened the likelihood of the Federal Reserve Board lowering U.S. interest rates, did not buoy the dollar as much as might have been expected. Participants said its rise was restrained by rumors of an impending Japanese interest rate hike.The Labor Department said the unemployment rate held steady in October at 5.3 percent as the economy produced 233,000 new jobs. Analysts had looked for a gain of only about 150,000 jobs. The strong figure calmed fears of an economic slowdown or recession requiring Fed stimulation.

In late New York trading the dollar was quoted at 1.8475 West German marks, up from 1.8420 late Thursday. But it weakened against the Japanese currency, trading at 143.15 yen against 143.45.

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