U.S. rates, strong economies boost European currencies

Published: 9 January 2006 y., Monday

Central European currencies have reached levels close to all-time records against the euro in recent days, boosted by strong economic performance and a rush by international investors to the region.

On Thursday morning, the Polish zloty was trading at just under 3.80 to the euro, its strongest rate since 2002.

By Friday, the zloty had eased off slightly and stood at around 3.81 to the euro.

The Czech koruna closed Friday at 28.90 to the euro, near its record.

Slovak markets were closed Friday because of a Roman Catholic religious holiday, but the koruna ended the day's trading on Thursday at 37.65, also near its record.

Analysts attribute the rise in the currencies to central Europe's strong economies and to investors ditching the dollar after the U.S. Federal Reserve hinted at the beginning of the year that transatlantic interest rates were as high as they were going to go for a while.

Experts have predicted GDP growth of 4.3 percent, inflation at 1.5 percent and a 3.2-percent budget deficit in Poland in 2006.

The Warsaw stock exchange climbed to new highs in the first week of 2006, with blue chips showing gains of 5.6 percent.

Polish interest rates are higher than in eurozone countries, and investors are fighting to get their hands on Polish bonds.

Šaltinis: AFP
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.

Facebook Comments

New comment


Captcha

Associated articles

The most popular articles

“Business Ambassador 2008” nomination established this year was awarded to V. Ušackas

AB Bank SNORAS, being the patron of the “Partnership Leader” nomination of the International trading palace ICC Lietuva (hereinafter - ICC Lietuva), this year initiated a special prize - “Business Ambassador”. more »

New report says ATM consolidation will continue, ATM transaction volumes will rise

Tremont Capital Group, an ATM-industry consultancy that works closely with the ATM Industry Association, has released its 2009 ATM Industry Fact Sheet, which summarizes the history and current state of the ATM industry. more »

UniCredit is “Best Trade Finance Provider 2009” in CEE, Austria and Poland and “Best Bank for Payments & Collections in CEE 2009”

The renowned magazine “Global Finance” has named the UniCredit Group as the “Best Trade Finance Provider 2009” in CEE, Austria and Poland as well as “Best Bank for Payments & Collections in CEE 2009”. more »

During last year AB Bank SNORAS group earned LTL 41.7 million profit

AB Bank SNORAS group, which comprises AB Bank SNORAS, AB “Latvijas Krājbanka” operating in Latvia and 19 other companies, during last year, according to unaudited data, earned LTL 41.7 million profit. more »

Parex banka to expand relationship with American Express

At a meeting this week, Nils Melngailis, the Chairman of Parex banka, and Alex M Furber, American Express Vice President in Central and Eastern Europe, agreed to explore further options for co-operation. more »

DnB NORD Bankas’ strategic initiative - to become financial guide to its customers

The country’s residents wish to have a clear understanding of financial services they use and are ready to make their final decision only when the advantages or disadvantages of each option is evident to them. more »

Thales selects degaussing specialists for Lithuanian minehunter contrac

Thales UK`s naval business recently announced the signature of an important sub-contract with Swedish company Polyamp AB for the supply of mine warfare degaussing systems for its new Lithuanian warship reactivation programme. more »

Stanford clients swarm banks

Hundreds of anxious depositors are rushing to pull out their money from banks affiliated with the Texas billionaire Allen Stanford accused of fraud. more »

MEPs set to back VAT cut for everyday items

VAT cuts for things like household repairs, care services, audio books and beauty treatments are likely to be backed by MEPs on Thursday. more »

MEPs set to back international whaling ban

MEPs are calling for tough new measures to be taken against whaling. more »