Swiss franc falls on firmer markets

08 Sep, 2007

The Swiss franc fell against the dollar on Friday, after stock markets firmed and better-than-expected US data gave traders the confidence to move away from the safe-haven franc and invest in the greenback.
"At the same time, Fed officials noted the heightened uncertainty for the economy and the need to closely watch credit conditions which keep easing hopes intact, in turn underpinning hopes that the US and global economy avoid a downturn. That favours the dollar slightly over the franc," he said.
The franc was 0.12 percent lower against the dollar at 1.2018 per dollar. The franc was 0.06 percent stronger versus the euro at 1.6431 per euro following the ECB's expected decision to leave rates on hold on Thursday.
The franc has shown some signs of recovery versus the euro recently after being pressured by carry trades for months. Investors have used the difference between Switzerland's benchmark interest rate of 2.50 percent and higher rates such as the ECB's 4.00 percent to borrow the franc and invest in higher-yielding currencies.

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