I can't see the spread using that tool . . . it just gives a middle rate.

So if I go into a bank to change some sterling pounds I'd get 1.72CHF to the pound?

not right now you won't! you'll be lucky to get 1.61!!!, if you're exchanging CHF to pound they will most likely charge you 1.68 for every pound...

easy money for the bank, buy cheap sell for more

You're still waiting? if you're looking for CHF I can give you a rate depending on how much you want to exchange obviously depending on when you want it?

PS: will definately beat the post office offers you get and any other bank!

My lord you are annoying.

I was answering your question! I'll know who to ignore next time!

Let's not resort to name calling. You keep talking about these magical rates that you and only you seem to be able to get.

Why don't you tell US where WE can get these rates for ourselves for a variety of different values of money.

Why don't you actually give some details on where you are getting this rate from instead of just putting a giant face as if you know some sort of big secret which nobody else in the world knows!!

And you answered diddly squat. You asked another question. That was all.

porsch - he is able to offer better rates because he needs GBP and you need CHF, instead of you both going to bank if you exchange at mid-market rate you both save some money (by eliminating the commision taken by bank)

Hope this is clear

Good point! That is a problem with the site if you don't have an account.

If you sign up and execute a deal, you get a quote by e-mail with total costs. From that you can work out the effective rate. From memory, XE's "tax" amounts to a couple of percent. e.g. the 1.65 spot rate becomes 1.63 - 1.64. Then there is a fixed handling charge for the wire transfer.

I've found their support very helpful and informative. I suppose you could always e-mail them for a more exact answer.

As I read this at the moment, the Pound has plummeted to under 1.6 Francs to the Pound. Good time to buy if you're planning a trip to England.

BBC data here

that's about the best (or worst) it has been in a long time, any one have an idea on how low it could go?

It will be wobbly until the general election and predictions of the result will affect the pound's value until then.

I don't think any of us have a clue on currencies as to where they go. Interest rate differentials and all classical econometric models went out of the window with Quantitative Easing (QE).

Some will point you to political concerns and the election, but there are as always a million other factors weighing in. Budget deficits are definitely in vogue following the fun and games in Greece. It is boring now to just take a pop at the Euro for exposure to Portugal, Italy, Ireland & Spain (PIIGS or so called "Club Med" countries) so instead people are turning their attention to the UK and Japan as other popular currencies with currencies that are worth a kick.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...0UJHHx8E&pos=3

The only bet I would be prepared to make is that currencies don't remain at the current level for a long time, just don't ask me for a rate or even a direction.

If the Tories (Conservative Party) continue to lose ground at the current rate then they leave open the truely horrific prospect of a hung-parliament. We could then see a comedy double act with Alistair Darling and George Osborne. It would be like having the chuckle brothers in charge, just more expensive. Now that would be really wobbly

Exactly. The fear is a hung parliament. Lot of speculators have come out to play but they hedge their bets. Very easy for non professionals to get their fingers burnt.

You'd never have a Con-Lab coalition.

Expect Con-Lib or Lab-Lib. The minor party would not get a Treasury role (unless there was an outbreak of sanity and Vince Cable got a chance).

We're all talking about the pound's weakness, but of course, this is relative to other currencies. With regard to CHF, the big risk is still Greece. This is because Swiss banks are highly exposed to Greek debt and also because the SNB would seek to keep the Franc from rising to much against a weakened Euro.

It is the biggest move for quite a few weeks. I hope that it goes back the other way (but I am biased )

In 2000 GBPCHF was 2.6, now it's 1.6. Who invented the printed press?
The Swiss is printing money too, but to a lesser extent. It will certainly go up and down, but long time the direction is clearly down, another couple of years at the current speed and we'll have parity.

Then shouldn't you sell it now and buy it back later?

The salaries can't have been very attractive in comparison to the UK then! Also prices must have been pretty normal?