The foreign exchange rate increased slightly at the beginning of this week as importers and exchange agents attribute this to the pressure placed by the tourism and free zone sectors for the devaluation of the Dominican peso. Listin Diario reports that yesterday the US currency was offered at a maximum rate of RD$30.50 and a minimum of RD$30.25, showing an increase of 25 and 50 points when compared to last Friday when it was being sold at RD$30 and RD$30.25. The purchase rate was between RD$29.50 and RD$30.10. The exchange rate continues to increase despite the government?s efforts to calm the economic agents and population assuring there are no monetary, fiscal or balance of payment reasons to justify the increase. The Central Bank announced that it is going to reduce circulating currency (M-1) by RD$8 billion to ensure the stability of the exchange rate.