Latest News and Articles

Currency exchange rates are affected by a number of things happening all over the world, from economic, political and law changes to scandals. We publish the latest news and articles to help keep you up to date and stay informed when making payments overseas.

What’s coming up for the pound in August?

August 4th, 2020 | Coronavirus, Currency 101

Sterling had a relatively strong month in July, particularly against the dollar, which suffered due to...

These 7 factors will decide what you pay in 2020

December 31st, 2019 | Brexit, Currency 101

The price of a property abroad will come down to many factors; its size, location and the view from the terrace, for example. Then there is the direction of interest rates, the US election and how Brexit trade talks go. Yes, all these with have a powerful effect on the price you pay, because they will change the value of the pounds you change into euro and dollars rates. Check out the main factors to look out for in 2020.

Enjoy the rate while it lasts!

December 17th, 2019 | Brexit, Currency 101, Currency Updates

The pound has been bouncing up and down in early trading this week as the aftershocks of the General Election continue to be felt through the currency markets. On Thursday night we hit a three-year high against the euro within 5 minutes of the exit poll showing a decisive Conservative victory, and we continue to see volatility in the market.

Just a few days to save your rate?

December 5th, 2019 | Currency 101

The weakness of the pound was a feature of the past three years, running at around 18% below the pre-referendum level. That was a bonus for anyone buying in the UK from abroad and significant extra cost for Brits buying abroad. Much has changed in the past few weeks, with the pound reaching its highest rate for two and a half years. But where next? The General Election result in the early hours of Friday 13 December could shift the dials considerably – but which way?

Revealed: The secret costs of your lifestyle overseas

November 27th, 2019 | Currency 101

Buying a property abroad should be the most exciting thing you ever buy, but ensuring it stays a pleasure will depend on it staying affordable. You need to keep a level head and plan for the continuing and hidden costs of buying overseas.

10 ways to ditch the grind and make an income abroad

November 11th, 2019 | Currency 101

Moving abroad's your chance to enjoy the life you've always dreamed of, in your perfect home...

The General Election and your currency

October 30th, 2019 | Currency 101

Well, this is exciting! In the three and a half years since the Referendum you might have got used to not much happening. Suddenly we have an election coming on 12th December, from which we could go in all sorts of directions. For anyone planning to move abroad, buy a property abroad or do business abroad the result could have profound implications.

Where will the pound be by Christmas?

October 15th, 2019 | Currency 101

Where will the pound be by Christmas? While no-one can predict with any certainty how any currency pair will trade in the future – not without a crystal ball – that doesn’t stop the major banks from having a go. There is something to be said for the wisdom of crowds, too, and this takes an average of those forecasts. We also look at the economic and political factors to look out for in the UK, Europe and US over the next three months.

Even so, at Smart we strongly recommend a strategy of focusing on your own plans, setting out your required budget and then fixing your rate with a forward contract.

Does a rate cut mean now’s the time to act?

September 30th, 2019 | Currency 101

The pound weakened last week on hints from the Bank of England of an interest rate cut, even if a...

How to protect your income when living abroad

September 17th, 2019 | Currency 101

Many of our clients buy abroad to enjoy their retirement or make the most of a UK income with a...

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Taking the complexity out of currency

Currency exchange rates are among the most complicated parts of the financial world. Where exchange rates will go is impossible to predict, as they are buffeted by the world events and news of the economy, both at a global and local level.

Vast quantities of currency are traded by the financial institutions based on the smallest piece of economic data, or rumour of political events – 90% of the currency markets are speculative. At the end of all this might be you, about to make the biggest and most complicated purchase of your own life, a home abroad. You may be desperately hoping that rates won’t change, taking the property of your dreams out of your budget, even as vital decisions are taken far away that will do just that.

Smart Currency Exchange may not be able to tell fortunes, but we can help you protect your property purchase by budgeting effectively, managing risk and suggesting solutions. But we want you to stay informed too.

Our team of writers and traders will be digesting all the global and local news that might affect you, and creating content that you will (a) enjoy reading and (b) use to good effect.

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News and events affect exchange rates

If you’re buying property abroad, you may be paying close attention to how your pounds are rising and falling in value as euros or dollars. You may also be keeping a close eye on current events and changes to the law that could affect your purchase, such as Brexit.

You may want to know why those changes are happening, or you might just want to know what could affect your money in the future. Either way, Smart covers the political, property and currency related news you need to know, giving both detailed analysis and readable, usable guidance, all free of charge.

Having been in operation for more than a decade and helped thousands of people to buy abroad, we’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that we are very happy to share.

You can read all about it, both on this website and in our Daily Market Updates. But we also write for other key organisations, including the global business news service Forbes, and the largest property website in the UK, Rightmove. Our expert opinion is frequently sought by national newspapers too.

Our news and advice covers all the major countries and the major currencies. Staying up to date will help you to minimise risks with your currency and protect your budget, so please keep coming back to this site, and you can also sign up to our mailing list.