Besa Deda Quotations

There is little doubt that firms in the US have plenty of pricing power, given the continued strength of the US consumer.

We expect the dollar to remain strong in early 2006. (But) once the U.S. Federal Reserve finishes tightening, the risk is that external imbalances play a greater role in steering currencies, and in that latter backdrop, sentiment toward the dollar may deteriorate.

Rate rises may make their way back on the agenda. The Australian dollar should benefit.

Higher U.S. interest rates will continue to support the U.S. dollar in the near term. We're still looking for U.S. data to remain firm, which will help the dollar.

Howard's comments have encouraged further selling in the Australian dollar.

A minority government may increase uncertainty and create some short-term volatility in the currency.