U.S. tourists flock to luxury shops in Europe

Published

3 years ago

July 25, 2022

Reuters

American luxury shoppers traveling in Europe splurged at designer stores as the U.S. dollar and the euro hit parity on Wednesday

American luxury shoppers travelling in Europe feel as if they’ve hit the jackpot.

For the first time in twenty years, the euro and U.S. dollar are nearly equal in value.

The weak euro is tempting Americans like Shawna Wilson to splurge.

“Because the euro and the dollar are about the same, it definitely encourages us to spend. It’s like it’s on sale here, so we’re having no problem shopping.”
TOURIST FROM COLORADO AND MOM, SHAWNA WILSON, 49.

Wilson is among many American tourists flocking to Paris’s Avenue Montaigne this week, a strip of luxury stores which fronts designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

“I am very excited that our American dollar is so strong, just when I am coming to Europe.”
TOURIST FROM NEW YORK CITY AND RETIRED TEACHER, SUSAN WEINBERG.

For Americans, purchasing a Chanel bag here could be cheaper by a thousand bucks, with savings from the exchange rate and tax refunds at the border on the way home.

But Erik Norland, senior economist at the CME Group in London, warns it’s not as simple as it seems.

“My own personal observation with luxury brands is that the prices of those goods tends not to vary from one country to another as much as you might expect. Another thing for Americans to consider, if they’re expecting bargains in Europe, is that in Europe in general there is much higher value added taxes there are in the U.S. Now that said, Americans who do shop over here can often get value added tax rebates when they leave. So that’s also something to look into as there might be a lot of calculations to make in terms of trying to find bargains. And it may not be as straightforward as people think.”
CME GROUP, SENIOR ECONOMIST, ERIK NORLAND.

On the flip side, European luxury shoppers like Sebastien Pozzi from Lyon, France, will feel a pinch at home – and while traveling to the U.S.

“Maybe we won’t buy anything. In France, it’s really expensive, that kind of brands, like Chanel, Dior. And here today… normally it could be cheaper in the U.S., but with the exchange rate, it’s not possible. It’s too expensive for us.”
TOURIST FROM LYON, FRANCE, SEBASTIEN POZZI.

Some analysts say the parity could last for at least a couple of weeks.

Markets tumble as Trump tariffs, Greenland rhetoric and Europe backlash collide

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

Published

13 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

U.S. equities took a sharp hit as markets reacted to renewed tariff threats and heightened political rhetoric from President Donald Trump. The Dow plunged more than 800 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also sliding as investor nerves rattled risk assets.

The sell-off highlights growing concern around global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, with markets struggling to price in what comes next for U.S. economic leadership and policy direction.

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Money

Gold hits record highs as investors flee risk

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Gold is shining brighter than ever as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty. U.S. gold futures for February delivery jumped 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, while spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,668.14.

The surge comes as geopolitical tensions continue to worry traders, prompting a rush into metals perceived as stable and secure. Analysts say gold is proving its status as the ultimate hedge during turbulent times.

Investors are closely watching markets as gold sets new benchmarks, signalling growing caution across the financial landscape.

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Money

Markets edge higher as 10-year yields hit new highs

Major stock indices rise slightly; 10-year Treasury yield hits 4.23% amid Fed Chair speculation, affecting small and mega-cap stocks.

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major stock indices rise slightly; 10-year Treasury yield hits 4.23% amid Fed Chair speculation, affecting small and mega-cap stocks.

All major stock indices are starting the week slightly higher, giving investors cautious optimism. Analysts are keeping an eye on movements in small caps and mega-cap tech stocks amid these early gains.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to 4.23%, the highest since last September. This follows Kevin Warsh emerging as the frontrunner for the next Federal Reserve Chair, sparking speculation on future monetary policy.

Rising yields could trigger a pullback in small-cap stocks, while investors may pivot toward mega-cap tech, expected to deliver strong earnings growth. Overall, the market is likely to see a neutral to slightly bearish trend next week due to overbought conditions.

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