Euro surge brings opportunities and risks

THE rise of the euro over the past 18 months is a mixed blessing for the Irish and euro-zone economies.

Since January 2002, the euro has increased in value by 30% against the dollar and by a disturbing 17% against sterling in Britain, where 30% of our exports still find an outlet.

For holidaymakers, that trip to Florida over the next few months looks like a very good bet, and certainly a decision to buy dollars now would provide a hedge against a future dollar recovery.