Iraqi dinar weakens as US dollar climbs above 155,000 in opening trade

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The US dollar opened the new trading week above 155,000 Iraqi dinars, according to market data, marking a decline in the dinar's value from its previous close. The exchange rate cited by local market activity differs from the daily rate issued by Iraq's Central Bank. The gap between Iraq's official exchange rate and the free-market price quoted by banks and currency dealers continues to weigh on household purchasing power and the cost of imported goods. Central Bank officials have continued foreign currency auctions and banking-sector supervision in an effort to stabilize the dinar, though no new measures were announced in conjunction with Monday's trading. Traders said the dollar's early gains suggested intraday volatility, with further movement possible as the session developed. No official comment on the latest rate movements was immediately available.