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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Dollar plunges on world markets | Dollar plunges on world markets |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The dollar has continued its recent decline, falling to fresh 20-month lows against the euro as concerns grow about a US economic slowdown. | The dollar has continued its recent decline, falling to fresh 20-month lows against the euro as concerns grow about a US economic slowdown. |
| In early Wednesday trading in the Far East, the dollar was hovering at about $1.32 against the euro, and also down sharply against the Japanese yen. | |
| It also fell against the pound sterling, and breached $1.95. | |
| The dollar's continuing weakness came after US data showed a fall in both the price of goods and consumer confidence. | The dollar's continuing weakness came after US data showed a fall in both the price of goods and consumer confidence. |
| Analysts now predict US interest rates will have to be cut early next year. | Analysts now predict US interest rates will have to be cut early next year. |
| This decision is in the hands of the Federal Reserve, and despite the Fed's continuing comments warning against inflation, economists believe it will have to cut interest rates soon to give the US economy a boost. | This decision is in the hands of the Federal Reserve, and despite the Fed's continuing comments warning against inflation, economists believe it will have to cut interest rates soon to give the US economy a boost. |
| Strong sterling | Strong sterling |
| US interest rates have now been on hold at 5.25% for three consecutive months, following 18 successive rate rises until August. | US interest rates have now been on hold at 5.25% for three consecutive months, following 18 successive rate rises until August. |
| The euro is becoming extremely attractive ECB council member Christian Noyer | The euro is becoming extremely attractive ECB council member Christian Noyer |
| The yen was up against the dollar after official Japanese data showed an unexpected rise in Japan's industrial production. | The yen was up against the dollar after official Japanese data showed an unexpected rise in Japan's industrial production. |
| It pushed the dollar down to 115.75 yen in early Wednesday trading, from 116.15 yen overnight in the US. | It pushed the dollar down to 115.75 yen in early Wednesday trading, from 116.15 yen overnight in the US. |
| Meanwhile, sterling was up to $1.953 after earlier hitting $1.9545, its highest level against the dollar since December 2004. | Meanwhile, sterling was up to $1.953 after earlier hitting $1.9545, its highest level against the dollar since December 2004. |
| While the Fed is expected to lower interest rates in the New Year, the European Central Bank (ECB) is predicted to boost rates for the eurozone. | While the Fed is expected to lower interest rates in the New Year, the European Central Bank (ECB) is predicted to boost rates for the eurozone. |
| Analysts said this was another factor driving the dollar down against the euro. | Analysts said this was another factor driving the dollar down against the euro. |
| "The euro is becoming extremely attractive as a vehicle, a transaction, an investment and a reserve currency," said ECB council member Christian Noyer. | "The euro is becoming extremely attractive as a vehicle, a transaction, an investment and a reserve currency," said ECB council member Christian Noyer. |
| The ECB last raised interest rates in October to the current 3.25% level. | The ECB last raised interest rates in October to the current 3.25% level. |
| They have risen five times since December last year, as the eurozone economies have expanded. | They have risen five times since December last year, as the eurozone economies have expanded. |