The dollar appears likely to remain locked within a 114-118 yen range through much of March.

With few signs of positive economic developments in sight to spur trading in any direction, the currency market is searching for guidance.

At the latest meeting of finance leaders from the Group of Seven industrial nations, Japan's G7 partners urged the Bank of Japan to assure ample liquidity in the financial market and expressed concern over the Japanese banking system, which remains overburdened by bad loans.