The
U.S. dollar is in its fifth straight year of decline vs. some major
world currencies, and is hitting near-record lows against the euro
and the British pound sterling.
The pound was trading
at $2.01 on April 18, its highest level since 1981, with the euro
just shy of $1.36, nearing its December 2004 record of almost
$1.37. Canadas loonie was trading at 88 cents.
While a weak
greenback is good news for U.S. exporters, its not great news for
business travelers or people who are considering a European
vacation.
However, the dollar
has regained half the value it has lost against Japans yen since
2002 and remains somewhat steadier against Mexicos peso.