AUDPD

The pound Australian dollar exchange rate is 0.07% higher with GBP/AUD at 1.4664, the pound New Zealand dollar exchange rate is 0.03% lower with GBP/NZD at 1.8936.

A surprisingly high Chinese inflation figure failed to weigh on the Australian dollar, which remains firm.

"High Chinese inflation (back up at 4.5%) reduces the scope for monetary easing and therefore weighs on the country’s growth outlook and demand for Australian commodities. Still, the aussie dollar marched on, with the market convinced that the spike in inflation will prove temporary, says a morning exchange rate note from the team at Caxton Fx.

AUD

 Despite a small bounce yesterday afternoon, when the AUD recorded a move close to USD1.0850, the AUD has failed to find any further support to break higher. Key resistance is just below the USD1.0900 level, and we'd need to see a break of this level to open the way for a move back towards USD1.1000.

The Reserve Bank's decision to leave official interest rates unchanged earlier this week has clearly increased the relative attractiveness of the AUD, particularly given the low levels of official interest rates throughout the rest of the developed world.

If the AUD continues to rally, and if we were to sustain levels above USD1.1000, the RBA may come under increasing pressure to cut interest rates to try and relieve some of the pressure on Australian exporters, as well as local businesses in manufacturing, tourism and retail who, on a combined basis, employ over two million workers.

Rates

	Australian Dollar	1	1.3558	1.3339	1.3279	1.3550	1.3347	1.3296
	Canadian Dollar	1	1.2639	1.2398	1.2338	1.2627	1.2410	1.2359
	New Zealand Dollar	1	1.0502	1.0292	1.0232	1.0490	1.0304	1.0253

AUD

Australian Dollar

1

1.3566

1.3347

1.3287

Forex Update

Australian Dollar

1

1.3493

1.3275

1.3215

Update Forex

Australian Dollar

1

1.3484

1.3266

Update Forex

DBS

1.3489

1.3271

Today rate

DBS 1.3467 1.3249

Update on Forex Rate

New rate on 27 Jan 2012

Bank            Selling              Buying
DBS              1.3483            1.3265

Forex Spread in Singapore Banks

Each bank has a internal pricing system on the spot and spread of foreign currency. Let us examine the difference between this rate from the different banks.

Spot rate for AUD on 19 Jan 2012

Bank                Selling               Buying         Spread
DBS                1.3421                1.3202         0.0219
UOB               1.3419                1.3139          0.028  
OCBC             1.3513                1.3156          0.0357  

From this, we see that DBS offer the lowest spread among the local banks, so those interested in Foreign Currency Fix Deposit can consider opening an account with DBS to take advantage of the spread.

Which bank offer the most value for money for their credit card points?

Different banks offer different exchange rate for vouchers. Here, we will attempt to compare the amount a customer will need to spend to exchange for $1 worth of similar voucher. Do take note that this is calculated based on a normal credit card by the banks, and does not take into account those cards that offer  accelerated points.

To start off, we will compare the common vouchers that can be redeemed across all the major banks.
More will be added upon request.

Best Denki

2400 dbs points = $50 voucher => Need to spend $240 to redeem $1 voucher
3250 uni points = $50 viucher =>Need to spend $325 to redeem $1 voucher
6000 ocbc points = $30 voucher => Need to spend $200 to redeem $1 voucher
10600 scb points = $50 voucher => Need to spend $212 to redeem $1 voucher
15000 citi dollars = $50 voucher => Need to spend $300 to redeem $1 voucher