The dollar continues on its upward trend, with the Central Bank raising the official rate to RD$15.90 to the dollar. Commercial banks were buying dollars for RD$15.85, up from RD$15.60 a week ago. This means exchange houses will be offering above RD$16 to the dollar. Street vendors will offer even more, but there is always the danger of running into a vendor who has a slick hand. Dollars are selling for upwards of RD$16.35. The upward trend is not expected to be maintained for long. As the Christmas time gets near, tourist arrivals increase and families and friends increase their monthly remittances. Likewise, thousands of dollars are expected to be injected into the economy as a result of the capitalization of state enterprises.
