The Euro is at an all-time high against the US Dollar. But there is a storm brewing over it's basic economic policies. Forbes has a compelling article that predicts the demise of the Euro within a few years.

Germany is freaking out over inflation and wants to keep tight control, while other member countries want to spur development with lower interest rates. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On top of that, there is no national 'ownership' over the Euro, since it is a creation of politicians and bureaucrats. Once Germany reverts back to the Deutsche Mark, it's a fair bet that the remaining countries will pull out as well.

Interesting stuff. http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0421/034.html

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Hopefully, our weak dollar will help to reduce our tremendous trade deficit.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

I was in Paris and Barcelona last month and it was sobering - about $1.50 for a Euro! London was no better at $2.0, but I'm used to that. I remember when the Euro was about $.95, probably around 2001.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I remember not TOO long ago buying a wrist watch in Switzerland and it seems the exchange rate was about $.65-.75 to one Euro.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Switzerland doesn't use the Euro, they have their own currency, the Swiss Franc. Last fall the exchange rate was ~$.85 per Franc, so that's likely what you are recalling.

I'm glad the euro will be fading out. each country needs it's own currency.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

I visited Germany and Austria about this time in '02 and the Euro and dollar were almost dead even. It was nice to not have to figure out exchange rates.

Setting up a multinational currency always seemed a little sketchy to me.

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Brian Rogers
'96 E320 traded in at 292,000 miles
'09 C350

It took a while for the American colonies to establish a national currency. The European states are in an analogous position to the USA in about 1790 or so. Think Pennsylvania & New York = Germany & France. The other eleven colonies were munchkins.

B

Meh, I don't think its so great. A little national pride and currency are good things.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Still are.

First off, Forbes is famous for saying one thing in the magazine, then doing the other. The article is saying everyone should short the Euro, while I bet Forbes and his buddies are all long the Euro. Believe me, the Euro ain't going anywhere. The European Union continues to grow and soon oil will be traded in Euro's. That will be really nasty for the US. That is also one of the reasons for the rise in oil prices, because it is sold in US$, and the US$ is falling, so oil must rise in price to make up for the lower dollar. Oil priced in Euro's has not risen very much.

I don't think oil will trade in euros any time soon. Both current oil exchanges (American and English) are owned by the same people.

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1984 300TD

Jan. 1, 2002 when I was there it changed over to euros. The rate was about 1.3 euro to a dollar.

It was great. As of that day the Italians were as confused about the exchange rate as I was. I would pay for something and they would say,"do you want your change in Euros or Lira?"

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

What? The other eleven colonies? Dude, where you been? We're up to, like, 46 states, a handful of commonwealths, a district and some other stuff too.

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1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

Boy, time sure flies when you're having fun!