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Foreign travel advice Indonesia
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia.
Foreign travel advice Romania
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 24 April 2024 Updated: 23 April 2024 Latest update: Information related to drug offences and Romanian music festivals (under 'Laws and cultural differences' subheading on the 'Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice The Gambia
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Ferry services between Banjul and Barra have been suspended until further notice; The Islamic Summit of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) will be held in Banjul on 4-5 May; road closures and delays at Banjul International Airport ('Safety and security' page).
Foreign travel advice China
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 23 April 2024 Updated: 22 April 2024 Latest update: Updated information on flooding (‘Safety and security’ page).
Guidance Living in South Korea
Information for British citizens moving to or living in South Korea, including guidance on residency, healthcare, driving and more.
USD outlook for 2019 shifting rapidly
GBP / USD Expected Range: 1.2620 – 1.2710
In the space of a few weeks the outlook about Federal Reserve interest rates for 2019 has taken a huge u-turn with markets going from pricing in 3 interest rate hikes, to two and then zero for the year. Indeed, yesterday the conversation shifted one step further with some suggesting that interest rates could infact be cut by the Fed at the back end of the year. If this were to be the case 2019 could be a difficult year for the dollar and whilst there would still be a large gap between Fed and ECB rates that would still narrow especially if the ECB hiked rates themselves. Meanwhile in Washington the Democrats took charge of the House of Representatives where Nancy Pelosi was once again sworn in as speaker of the House. As a first step the Democrat controlled House voted to end the partial government shutdown in a futile move with the bill set to be vetoed by President Donald Trump. For Fed Chair enthusiasts as well today is exciting with Jerome Powell forming a reunion with previous heads Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke. Hopefully it will be better than the Inbetweeners reunion