Dollar strengthens on Greek debt worries

NEW YORK — Increased concern over Greece's debt crisis is boosting the dollar.

Over 20,000 people gathered in Athens Wednesday protesting anti-austerity measures required to avoid a debt default.

Meanwhile, credit ratings agency Moody's warns that it may downgrade its debt rating on three of France's largest banks over their exposure to Greece.

In the U.S., the Labor Department says consumer prices rose by the smallest amount in six months. Investors are also awaiting a report on production at U.S. factories.

The euro fell to $1.4274 from $1.4468 late Tuesday and the British pound fell to $1.6239 from $1.6386.

In other trading, the dollar rose to 80.96 Japanese yen from 80.52 yen and to 0.8519 Swiss franc from 0.8440 Swiss franc.