[QF009]

Ugh... and I'd planned to do some major shopping in LA next month...
Not that it's going to stop me anyway..

[simongr]

And guys let's put this in perspective. A couple of years ago the US$ dollar was close to 60c:A$1.

Now it has dropped maybe 10% in the past week - it still makes for bargains in the US. If it falls to 70c then I still find shopping in the US to be cheaper than Oz.

Example - I bought two kitchen knives in the US a few weeks ago and compared prices to similar knives from the same brand here in Oz (they don't have the latest styles here of course) and the knives were around $100 cheaper in the US. When I go back in September I will get a couple more and maybe save A$80-A$90 - not a bad saving in my book

[NM]

My share options in US$ are looking healthier than last week .

[codash1099]

Originally Posted by Danger

Three or four months ago a number of economists were tipping parity by year's end.

These were no doubt the same guys who were confident that oil was going to go through $200.

[QF009]

BTW for anyone considering a shopping trip to the US, things there are much much cheaper than here even with currency conversions taken into account. I didn't realise it before as I only look at stuff that's not available here when I'm over there, but I took taipeiflyer shopping when he was down here and apparently there's at least a 10% mark up on everything here. Even at Dan Murphy's. I feel so ripped off living here now...

[Travel Guru]

Originally Posted by simongr

Example - I bought two kitchen knives in the US a few weeks ago and compared prices to similar knives from the same brand here in Oz (they don't have the latest styles here of course) and the knives were around $100 cheaper in the US. When I go back in September I will get a couple more and maybe save A$80-A$90 - not a bad saving in my book

I didn't know you were a knife fan Simongr, my estimation of you just went up, even if you do hate corporate TA's!!

TG

[Evan]

So getting O/T here a lot... I have always wanted some special knifes from Japan but always been worried how do i import them to Australia ? I assume they are often considered weapons and as such cannot be put in checked lugguage ?
E

[dajop]

Originally Posted by QF009

BTW for anyone considering a shopping trip to the US, things there are much much cheaper than here even with currency conversions taken into account.

Yes even when the dollar was hovering in the range 0.5-0.65 it was still substantially cheaper to shop in the US than in AUS. I can remember purchasing a 3 pack of branded underwear in Boston for what worked out to be about $20 AUD (ER at time ~ 0.6). Made in Thailand. Same pack in Australia ... $55 AUD. Say no more. That's just one example that came to mind, but compare a whole range of (clothing) products of similar brand or quality and there is often a 2x multiple involved.

[codash1099]

Originally Posted by dajop

Yes even when the dollar was hovering in the range 0.5-0.65 it was still substantially cheaper to shop in the US than in AUS. I can remember purchasing a 3 pack of branded underwear in Boston for what worked out to be about $20 AUD (ER at time ~ 0.6). Made in Thailand. Same pack in Australia ... $55 AUD. Say no more. That's just one example that came to mind, but compare a whole range of (clothing) products of similar brand or quality and there is often a 2x multiple involved.

That's reassuring - I was busy kicking myself for not locking in the rate ahead of my DONE4.

I must not to listen to economists.
I must not to listen to economists.
I must not to listen to economists.
I must not.................

[Alanslegal]

Read a few analysts forecasting that the AUD should bottom out at 85c before a likely rise to closer to 90-91c by end of year.

I also recall them forecasting in October 07 that the AUD will hit 95c by June 08 - this was very very close.

So I'm having faith in some of these latest forecasts and have my fingers crossed.