David Brown
Recent articles by David Brown - currency news, market trends, and exchange rate insights.
Recent articles by David Brown - currency news, market trends, and exchange rate insights.
Currency shifts can quietly shrink your margins if you’re doing business internationally. Learn how to manage FX exposure, protect your profits, and use smart tools to stay ahead.
In May 2025, currency markets experienced notable fluctuations influenced by geopolitical developments, economic policies, and trade relations. The pound (GBP) and euro (EUR) were strong while U.S. dollar (USD) exhibited a weakening trend, while several other currencies demonstrated strength.
The US dollar surged following a 90-day tariff pause between the US and China, while the euro and yen weakened in response.
Dunbridge Financial is a Canadian-based international payments provider designed for business. With fast onboarding, competitive exchange rates, and personalized FX support, it’s a digital-first alternative to traditional banks for managing global currencies.
We take a look at why not using your bank for foreign exchange is generally a good idea to save money. As an example, we compare big bank rates for transfers and travel cash to popular foreign exchange specialists, OFX for transfers and Wise for travel money.
Chase Bank provides convenient foreign exchange and international transfers for U.S. customers, but often at a premium. With high wire fees and a 4–6% markup on exchange rates, it’s worth comparing Chase with low-cost providers like Wise or OFX before sending money abroad.
The Australian dollar has experienced notable fluctuations in 2025, influenced by global trade tensions and domestic political developments, including the Labor Party's decisive election win. However, trade tariffs imposed by the United States, have introduced volatility, prompting market analysts to adjust their forecasts for the currency's trajectory.
A comprehensive guide to choosing the best money transfer provider, covering key factors like fees, speed, exchange rates, and customer support, with comparisons of top services such as Wise, OFX, WorldRemit, and XE Money Transfers.
The Canadian dollar has defied political chaos and global headwinds to emerge as one of 2025’s unlikely winners. But with minority rule in Ottawa, soaring household debt, and a high-stakes U.S. election looming, the loonie’s fight for survival is just beginning.
Milei publicly criticizes economists as econo-swindlers and alarmists as Argentina's peso has defied expectations by maintaining stability following recent economic reforms, easing inflation concerns and bolstering investor confidence.
Looking to transfer money internationally? We compare OFX and Wise side by side, covering costs, exchange rates, speed, and features to help you choose the best service for your needs in 2025. Which one is right for you depends largely on how much you’re sending, how often you transfer, and whether you value real-time convenience or personal account management.
If you’re selling online internationally, using an FX specialist can save you thousands. Better exchange rates, lower fees, and protection against currency swings can make a huge difference to your bottom line. Find out why smart online sellers are choosing FX specialists to manage their global payments — and how it could help you scale faster.
Deutsche Bank forecasts a significant weakening of the US dollar in the coming years, potentially reaching its lowest level against the euro in over a decade.
WorldFirst World Card is a virtual Mastercard designed for global businesses, allowing online payments in multiple currencies with no FX fees.
The Wise Account allows users to hold and convert funds in 40 different currencies and send and spend internationally, all at the “real” exchange rate and with exceptionally low service fees. Users can also receive major-currency payments free of charge.
The US dollar has fallen to a three-year low, influenced by Trump policy back flips plus concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence. Analysts suggest a long-overdue correction due to overvaluation and trade tensions.
The Swiss franc has experienced a significant surge, reaching a decade-high against the U.S. dollar, following President Donald Trump's announcement of increased tariffs on Chinese imports. This development has intensified market volatility and heightened demand for safe-haven assets.
The Chinese yuan has weakened following the United States' decision to impose a 125% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting the People's Bank of China to intervene to stabilize the currency.
The Mexican peso's outlook for 2025 is clouded by potential U.S. tariffs and economic policies, with forecasts indicating possible depreciation against the U.S. dollar.
Discover how movements in the U.S. dollar affect everyday Americans — from the cost of imports and vacations to global competitiveness for exporters and manufacturers.
Recent U.S. trade policies, including aggressive tariffs on auto imports, have introduced significant volatility in global currency markets, affecting major currencies such as the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen.
The Indonesian rupiah approaches a historic low against the U.S. dollar, influenced by fiscal worries and government spending plans.
The global currency landscape is experiencing notable shifts as the euro strengthens against major currencies, influenced by economic policies, geopolitical events, and fluctuating oil prices.
XE works on razor thin margins for money transfers to more than 100 countries and nearly always guarantees a fantastic deal. Transfers can be booked online and over the phone and most are processed within a single working day.
We compare the features, exchange rates and security of the three best multi-currency accounts available today — the Wise Account, the WorldFirst World Account, and the OFX Global Currency Account.
WorldFirst World Account is a multi-currency business account that allows you to hold, send, and receive funds in over 40 currencies, making it ideal for global businesses and online market-place sellers.
Markets have shifted focus to the interest rate policies of other major central banks rather than the Federal Reserve.
Economists are predicting that the Canadian dollar could rise this year.
WorldFirst is a market leader in the international payments space and is consistently ranked among the most reliable and cheapest money transfer handlers for four-figure sums.
The Singapore dollar has reached its highest level in over a decade, boosting outbound travel and curbing inflation, but also putting pressure on exporters and local businesses. While sectors like logistics and finance benefit, retail, hospitality, and exports face challenges from the strong currency.
The dollar has risen by nearly 20% against most currencies compared to this time last year.
Our review of American Express exchange rates & international money transfer services.
Stronger AUD, USD, and GBP Against the Euro due to surprise French elections.
With WorldRemit, send money online 24/7 to 140 destinations at highly competitive exchange rates. Send to bank accounts and mobile money wallets, top up a loved one's mobile phone or send for cash pick-up.
OFX is a reputable international money transfer service that caters to both individuals and businesses, offering a range of features designed to facilitate global transactions.
Understanding the Euro is not only crucial for navigating the financial landscapes of these countries but also for appreciating the broader economic and cultural contexts that shape Europe today.
USD sinks as global currency markets react to slowing US inflation, prompting a surge in other major currencies and a potential end to the Federal Reserve's tightening cycle.
Central Bank Chief's Removal Sets Stage for Currency Liberalization
The US dollar weakened due to fears surrounding regional banks, while the ECB offered a less hawkish than expected 25bp hike and the Swiss franc is in demand.
We look at tips for finding the best value locations for skiing, there are countries where skiing may be more affordable due to favourable exchange rates or lower costs of living.
As we approach mid-year a shift has taken place in currency markets with the narrative less about interest rates hikes and more risk-off worries about a possible coming recession.
OFX have made paying Australian Tax to the ATO from overseas easy while saving money on bank exchange rates and fees.
During periods of rising inflation a stronger currency benefits a country's economics as this makes imports cheaper.
Singapore is chasing tourists again relaxing some of their covid rules
Recognising the impact of Covid-19 on its financial status, Hong Kong has reverted back to more lenient travel restrictions to improve life for both residents and travelers.
Global travel starts to revive so Thailand moves to revive its Economy after the pandemic.
'Fortress New Zealand' opening after two long pandemic years - Aussies welcomed back first on April 12th and other nationalities on 1st of May.
Any curbs to Russian access to its foreign reserves could present a bigger blow to the Russian economy than the impact of a ban on Swift.
Russia attacking Ukraine has sparked volatility and a flight to safe-haven currencies such as CHF.
Fears Chinese mega developer Evergrande’s collapse will spark a contagion event and the ongoing European gas crisis has hit confidence.
With WorldRemit, send money online 24/7 to 140 destinations at highly competitive exchange rates. Send to bank accounts and mobile money wallets, top up a loved one's mobile phone or send for cash pick-up.
Instarem provides fast, safe and cost effective cross border money transfer services for Individuals and businesses from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Singapore to more than 25 countries.
The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States of America but also is the world’s dominant reserve currency, and it accounts for roughly 62% of global foreign exchange reserves, double that of the Euro and Yen. In fact, the US Dollar has been the world’s reserve currency for over 100 years.
Compare Wise, Revolut, and Travelex travel money cards to find the best option for your next trip. Discover key differences in fees, exchange rates, ATM access, and features to help you save on foreign spending.
The holy grail when you Send Money Abroad is finding an organisation that you can trust and one that offers the best exchange rates along with transparent, smart and straightforward customer service.
The Wise Account allows users to hold and convert funds in 40 different currencies and send and spend internationally, all at the “real” exchange rate and with exceptionally low service fees. Users can also receive major-currency payments free of charge.
The OFX Global Currency Account is perfect for sellers who need foreign bank accounts in GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD and HKD.
Key Takeaways from the ACCC inquiry into currency conversion services. BestExchangeRates referenced among comparison sites playing an important role in customer awareness of the excessive currency margins charged by banks.
The operator of the world’s largest financial messaging system, SWIFT, has said it will trial real-time "gpi" cross-border payments using the European Central Bank's TIPS platform. SWIFT gpi has been developed as an answer to distributed ledger payment technologies, most notably Ripple.
For many currency routes, FX costs have been slashed in recent years by a number of industry-disrupting fintechs, allowing such firms to slice great chunks from the banking sector’s lucrative remittance markets. Banks are fighting back, though, by developing low-cost, digital offerings of their own.
Remittances to low and middle-income countries reached a record high last year, the World Bank has said. Average transaction costs remain high, with an average of 7 percent paid to transfer $200 or equivalent.
Citigroup’s announcement this week of plans to develop its own consumer-payments platform is the latest indication of a fightback by the banking establishment against fintech rivals that threaten its most lucrative markets.
Ant Financial, the Chinese fintech giant that recently acquired WorldFirst, has set its sights on Europe, where it plans to take its share of both cross-border and point-of-sale payments.
The Japanese FSA has announced it will finally remove a ¥1 million (US$9,000) cap on cross-border money transfers handled by non-banking entities, paving the way for a major overhaul of Japan’s remittance industry.
In this Sydney CBD guide, we show you how to save money when looking for Currency Exchange and Forex services downtown in the emerald city.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in the Melbourne CBD.
Foreign transfers to buy overseas property are typically for large amounts, so it's important to be aware that any currency movements of just a few percent can have a large cost to you when you come to settle.
A closed currency is a one that is not available for purchase in countries other than its country of origin. We take a look at what that means for a traveller visiting a country with a closed currency.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in Adelaide.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash on the Gold Coast.
We show you how to Pre-order foreign cash online for better currency exchange rates and save money for your next trip.
The current mid-market rate for a currency pair is considered the best exchange rate available at any moment.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in London.
BER reviews why CurrencyFair is different to most of the other FX brokers out there.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in Birmingham.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in Glasgow.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in Manchester.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), it comes at a cost.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in the Perth CBD.
In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in the Brisbane CBD.
In this guide we take a look at Foreign Currency Accounts, both the good and bad aspects and what to watch out for.
We take a look at situations where hedging your FX exposure can maximise your cash-flow.
There are several travel money options you can use to save money and make your trip hassle-free.
Businesses need to send money overseas for all manner of reasons, from paying overseas vendors and suppliers to managing their company's foreign exchange risk. Whatever your business Forex requirements it’s important to know that you are getting a good deal and the right advice.
In this guide we take a look at FX Limit Orders and how they help manage currency volatility
In this guide we take a look at FX Forward Contracts and when they are a good idea to manage your currency market risk.
Comparing exchange rates can be an important for expats when repatriating overseas funds & earnings.
A little bit of research and comparing travel money exchange rates before you go on holiday, could help you increase how much cash you have available to spend overseas.
Avoid the hidden fees and charges when using your credit card abroad. Find out how to save money on your next trip by using a Prepaid Travel Card or ordering your foreign cash online.