The main focus for the Eurozone this week was the European Central Bank’s (ECB) decision on interest rates with the outcome a much expected hold at current levels. The accompanying statements were also familiar to recent months’ meetings with little sign that policy will take any sudden change of direction. The ECB’s outlook for Europe seems to be consistent with recent views that contraction in the Euro-economy will continue throughout 2009 and potentially well into the second half of 2010 seemingly opting for a slow and steady reaction to the rate of decline in productivity. Euro-zone GDP data out next week will almost certainly put the euro under pressure should the result be as disappointing as that of the UK this week.
There was no major news from the high-yield and/or commodity backed currencies this week.
Why is Currency Management So Important? Using a bank could cost you £3-4,000 per £100,000 transferred. Buying at the "wrong" time could cost you many £'000's more as rates can move as much as 3% in a very short period of time. Then add in transfer costs that the banks charge for sending and receiving funds and you could be looking at additional costs of £10,000 per £100,000 transferred. By developing a currency strategy and by working with a specialist currency broker these losses could be minimised if not eliminated.
Smart Client Testimonial: "Thank you for making our transactions go so smoothly. As promised, our account was opened within hours. Your traders were pleasant and efficient, and each transaction was very much at the exchange rate I expected...ie not a million miles away from the inter-bank rates and certainly much better than my high street bank could quote. All in all, an easy experience and we will have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to any of our friends buying property abroad." Ian Pritchard
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 rate noted above. But note this is based on the inter bank rate so the actual cost will be slightly more.

Charles Purdy
Smart Resources
Currency Strategy Worksheet
Need help creating a Currency Strategy? Download our Currency Strategy Worksheet:
http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/downloads/CurrencyStrategyWorksheet.pdf
Currency Report
Have your read our 10-page Currency Report that outlines the top 3 mistakes that overseas buyers make when exchanging and transferring their money overseas? Get the report here:
http://www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com/downloads/ThreeMistakes.pdf
Currency Quotation
Are you interested in a currency rate for Euros, US$'s, CYP, NZD, or any other currency, please fill out our Smart quotation form at: http://www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com/smartquotation.htm