Saturday, April 07, 2007

Smarts Weekly Currency Note - 6th April 2007

Smart Currency Exchange - Weekly Currency Rates for Overseas Property Buyers
Weekly Currency Interbank Exchange Rates6th April 2007
Currency
Rate Last
Week
Rate This
Week
EURO
1.471
1.468
CY£
0.850
0.848
US$
1.959
1.966
CAN$
2.262
2.262
AUS$
2.428
2.405
NZD
2.740
2.728

CHF

2.389
2.405

ZAR(Rand)

14.178
14.008

Charles's Thoughts: Sterling lost a bit of ground as interest rates were kept on hold by the Bank of England this week. The market had raised the possibility of an increase in interest rates given that inflation is at the top end of the allowable range, the economy is performing well and house prices continue to rise. The probability of a 0.25% increase in UK interest rates in May is high.

The US continues to be a very mixed bag at the moment. The employment figures that came out this week are at record highs. Apparently there were a large number of new employees in the housing industry. This is somewhat hard to believe given the fallout in the housing market. However, it now seems unlikely that the Fed will reduce US interest rates any time soon.

No real change from last week as the Euro continues to be flavour of the month with Germany continuing to move forward strongly and interest rates are on the increase. One has to be aware that the downside is the Euro strengthening back to the 1.45 and less level.

The Australian dollar strengthened during the week. There was a moment of weakness when the Australian Reserve Bank did not increase interest rates as expected. However, the market soon turned this around by assuming that the next time the Reserve Bank met then interest rates would be increased.

Why is Currency Management So Important? The current market shows the importance of establishing a clear cost target for your property purchase. To do this you need to set a target exchange rate. There is no clear direction for exchange rates and as such you may find in a very short period of time the market moving against you. The effect of this is that your property will cost a lot more. By setting a realistic target and grabbing it when it is available you set your cost in stone and remove all stress.

Smart Client Testimonial: "I ordered some currency to send to my father in Spain. I am a very busy person and found using Smart was so effective and efficient it took one more worry away from me. It suits my lifestyle!" S. Coyne, Norfolk

If you haven't opened a Smart account yet, call me on freephone 0808 163 0102 or fill out our online Account Form at: http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/application.htm

How much will a Property Cost? To estimate the cost of a property simply DIVIDE the price of the property by the appropriate currency rate noted above. But note this is based on the inter bank rate so the actual cost will be slightly more.

Charles Purdy
Charles Purdy


Smart Resources

Currency Strategy Worksheet
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Currency Report
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http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/downloads/ThreeMistakes.pdf

Currency Quotation
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http://www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com/smartquotation.htm


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Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Smarts daily currency note - 4th April 2007

Smart Currency Exchange - Daily Currency Rates for Overseas Property Buyers
Free Daily Inter Bank Currency Exchange Rates4th April 2007

Currency

Rate

EURO

1.480

CY£

0.855

US$

1.975

CHF

2.414

CAN$

2.287

AUS$

2.430

Comments: Sterling had a steady day holding its own against the US$ and the Euro. The markets are waiting for tomorrow's announcement on UK interest rates from the bank of England. The "possibility" is an increase of 0.25% which is supporting sterling short term.

Note: All rates are mid market inter bank and indicative at the point of publication.

To get an initial estimate of the cost of a property simply DIVIDE the price of the property by the appropriate currency rate noted above.














Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Smarts Daily Currency Note - 3rd April 2007

Smart Currency Exchange - Daily Currency Rates for Overseas Property Buyers
Free Daily Inter Bank Currency Exchange Rates3rd April 2007

Currency

Rate

EURO

1.480

CY£

0.855

US$

1.979

CHF

2.409

CAN$

2.287

AUS$

2.433

Comments: Sterling has gained a bit of ground on the back of a "possible" increase in UK interest rates this Thursday by 0.25%. This is when the Bank of England meets. There has been a lot of talk in the press about inflation being at the top end of the allowable range and that there continues to be upward pressure on prices. This may lead the BOE increasing interest rates now rather than wait until May. However, it is important to remember that Euro land is increasing interest rates and more than one increase of 0.25% is expected. The US is still suffering from the fall out from weakening house prices but again inflationary pressures mean that reduced US interest rates are unlikely in the short term. So short term there may be some upside for sterling but it is never a one way bet.

Note: All rates are mid market inter bank and indicative at the point of publication.

To get an initial estimate of the cost of a property simply DIVIDE the price of the property by the appropriate currency rate noted above.










Weekly Update on GBP, EUR, USD & Commodity-Backed Currencies

Smart Resources

Free Reports - Make sure to collect your copy!
For overseas property buyers: "Why Overseas Property Buyers Lose Money... and how YOU can avoid it" Get the report here!

For anyone relocating from the UK to another country: "How you could save £20,000 when relocating from the UK to any overseas location!" Get the report here!

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Disclaimer
Exchange rates can move very quickly. The above rates are valid at a moment in time. We have no crystal ball and we recommend that if an exchange rate works for your budget then don’t wait for an even better exchange rate - Murphy’s Law says the rate will go against you and cause you maximum pain! Suggestions should not be taken as advice or fact.

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