I know we have some very intelligent members here so, anyone interested in predicting the future of the pound and the euro? What will the pound be worth v euro come the end of 2011? How high do you think the pound could go against the euro and by when? What is the future of the euro? Today's titbit "Finally, take a look at the following numbers. Greece's government is paying 21.6% for five-year-loans, Portugal is paying 14.6%, Spain is paying 5.38%, Italy is paying 5.04%, Germany is paying 1.71%, the United States is paying 1.38% and Britain is paying... 1.23%. The United Kingdom, with its AAA credit rating and its lack of involvement in any current debt crisis, can borrow more cheaply than most of its peer group. There ⦠feeling better now?"
The way things are going I don't think anyone can accurately predict anything. I would be surprised if the Euro was scrapped though. There is always going to be teething problems with new currencies, especially against the current financial backdrop, so I'll reckon they'll battle on with it.
The French and Germans are so wrapped up in the whole ideology of a single currnecy that they'll die in a ditch to save it I reckon. I do worry that the pound is still not hammering the euro on the markets though.......
With all the debt crisis in Europe and the uncertainty that should create, it's surprising the euro hasn't gone lower. I reckon that, if the UK were subjected to the same pressures, the pound would be at an all time low by now. Could be the relative interest rates keeping the euro surprisingly stable. In order for the pound to strengthen significantly I think it will take a sustainable upturn in the UK economy, combined with rising interest rates in the UK v Eurozone, and another debt crisis in Euroland. Whether that will happen and, if so, when is anyone's guess. For 4 years the exchange rate was relatively stable within a 10cents range then bang. Historically, Euro interest rates have been low compared to UK but that seems to have changed. That in itself will keep the pound down.
I reckon the value of the Euro v £ will remain pretty static thsi year - it won't improve and I doubt it will get any worse in value. Its nearly at a like for like value just now and I can't see it dropping any further. I'd start stocking up on the Renminbi/Yuan...
So what you're basiically saying Ron is that in order for us to all get a few extra bob to spend on holiday in Euroland we need interest rates to rise significantly. Buggeration.............
With the benefit of hindsight, it seems crazy that countries as corrupt and economically weak as Greece were allowed to join the Euro. I think the euro will survive, but it's certainly worrying times ahead. This doesn't just affect those of us living in the eurozone, but the bulk of Britain's trade is with continental Europe, so it'll also be bad news for the UK if the euro goes down the pan.
Agreed, it should have just been france germany belgium etc. and maybe italy and spain for the frist 15-20 years at least
It'll help you if you're selling a farmhouse or something in France to folk from the UK though won't it Ron?
The trouble with the Euro currency at the moment is that a lot of country's joined it at inflated rates. The Euro simply cannot sustain it's value against other world currencies. If things continue as they are the French and Germans will be bankrupt in a couple of years through propping the Euro up. That is also what would have happened to us had we joined the Euro. That is also why the French and Germans were so desperate for us to join as they new at some stage there would be a struggle to maintain its trading level. I do wish though that someone would inform me as to why it was necessary for us to have to pile money in to the ailing Euro to prop up country's like Greece and Portugal. We are not part of the monetary system or are we?
In terms of selling property in France Sleepy; if the pound were strong then the property is more saleable to someone from UK. If the pound is weak against the euro then best to sell to someone in Eurozone, particularly if thinking of moving to the UK. One would have never imagined it but you could have made a profit by moving to France in 2005 (when we did) with an exchange rate of 1.50 and moved back again in Dec 2009 when the pound and euro were on a par.
Just my opinion. You know me Chippy. Can't take any notice of what I say. I'm as bad at this as I am at the horses.
But I was just really asking if you managed to sell your farmhouse. I've been stalking you on the internet.
We aren't selling it. I put up 2 ads to test out a site (must be couple of years ago). An estate agent phoned up and said it was under-priced and that someone from UK was interested. I'd forgotten about it and removed it. I did leave one there for an old farmhouse needing renovation to see what interest that would have. Apart from 2 enquiries, nothing. Doubt we would sell it anyway as I've promised it to my son, so it would be up to him. Anything else you would like to know?
a/s/l? You're boring to stalk on the internet (apart from Amanda, you really need to get her more visibility on Youtube BTW. I'll help if you want by showing friends etc.) Did you live in that farmhouse, looks great? Is life in France actually as good as it appears on TV etc? I really fancy it.
i thought the germans were secretly hoarding deutschmarks ready for when the **** really hits the fan with the euro?