AUD=USD.

I've been trying hard to convince myself that I don't need to convert my toy (non landy) from auto to a 5 speed. The $$ conversion rate isn't helping me :)

It's not that the Aus$ is strong at the moment, it's more that the US$ is going downhill. The aus/yen exchange rate hasn't changed while the US$ rate has shot up. I haven't really paid much attention to the others.

Hence, because every news channel rates the Aus$ against the Us$, they are making claims that our $$ is strong, when in reality there isn't much change over the rest of the world. As of right now, $1 buys 62p UK. Not that much better than when I bought parts from the UK months ago, which I think was around 59p.

I'd have to disagree a bit on that...

The dollar may not have changed much with asia ... and i agree the USD is weaker... but so is the GBP.

When we came 4 years ago we got 2.5aud to the gbp... now its 1.6... but it stayed over 2 for ages... thats huge! the USD also strengthened against the GBP too going from over 2USD to the GBP to around the 1.5 not so huge... but still significant... talking last few months its not moved much... but last year or 2... its significant...

Either way... for us it makes things stupid cheap to import... but bloody expensive for exports....

Steve

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScottW

when in reality there isn't much change over the rest of the world. As of right now, $1 buys 62p UK. Not that much better than when I bought parts from the UK months ago, which I think was around 59p.

---

The natural rate of the AUD against the GBP is about $1 to 42p and it was at that rate not all that long ago.

As already mentioned this is going to be a trap for some of us without will power :twisted:
Do I really need those new toys :confused:

Yes of course I do, now the only problem will be keeping under the AUD $1000
import limit. (Gee I am glad I am not a addicted to anything like drugs or pokies ;) )

New Garmen GPS 301 on the way (To add to the 4 GPS's I already have)
New Olight Intimidator Torch (Hey I only have 50+ quality torches)
New Kifaru Sleeping Bag (1/2 doz sleeping bags is not enough)

Bugga there's 1K I was not going to spend but if I talk to myself loud enough I can convince myself that I just saved about $300 compared to a few months back when I was just dreaming of buying these animals.

Please tell me I am not alone (or is there counselling available)

The USD is down because of a decision by their government a couple of years ago which has been continued by current administration. They wanted to improve their exports and reduce imports. Main losers were the Euro zone countries who saw their currency go up against the dollar making exports more difficult. Key usual skitzoid responce for EU government on one hand claiming that upwards movement in currency was a sign of how well they were doing while on the other complaining that the US currency was too low and all central banks should step in to prop it up. Real issue is that the US was looking for competitive edge. Cannot achieve this against Asia as they all peg their currencies against the US dollar. Europe loses as asia becomes an even cheaper source of imports and second hit is that Euro exports to USA who are their largest export market become even more expensive. As the vast majority of international trade is agreed in USD increase in AUD will impact on the Australian exporter who will have to increase volume to make up reduction in prices.

On another note, how many 130 owners have ordered Bilsteins? Eshocks have said there is a shortage and there will be a delay in the delivery of mine!!

Fraser

I'm still trying to decide what to buy on a limited budget while in England in Nov-Dec. No advantage in buying big stuff as it will still have to be shipped back anyway. Might be worth something light I can fit in my 20kg bag limit on the return plane trip. Still thinking...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Tonite on radio said AUD =99.9...There goes the export market...

:BigCry::BigCry::BigCry::BigCry::BigCry::BigCry:



Cheers Ean

---

Southern Rocklobster beach price hit $87 / kg with a rising A$ before the closed season (15 Sept) here in Vic. 90+ % go live into China.

Price hit $95 / kg shortly after. Not all seafood exports get hammered by a rising dollar thankfully.

cheers, DL

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 350RRC

Southern Rocklobster beach price hit $87 / kg with a rising A$ before the closed season (15 Sept) here in Vic. 90+ % go live into China.

Price hit $95 / kg shortly after. Not all seafood exports get hammered by a rising dollar thankfully.

cheers, DL

---

:eek::eek::eek:...Im happy for them, atleast someone is still being able to keep there market alive..
We stopped all our supermarket packs yesterday,:(:( so the rest will go to the processers and they will proberly sit on them till the new year.

What they do with them will be their choice and their cold storage costs.


Cheers Ean

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Im happy for them, at least someone is still being able to keep there market alive..
Cheers Ean

---

The market tends to keep itself alive, except during major blips like bird flu and SARS events. The supply chain is a little more 'transparent' these days and the product is more of a cultural necessity in China in the good times, rather than just a commodity.

cheers, DL