WILLEMSTAD - The euro was again briefly equal to the US dollar today. The European currency has been falling against the American currency for some time and just before 10 a.m. Dutch time, the coins were worth exactly the same.
The recent appreciation of the dollar is linked to fears of a recession in Europe. Higher interest rates in the United States are also helping the dollar move forward against the euro.
More than a month ago, the euro and dollar were also worth exactly the same amount, which is also known as parity. That was the first time since 2002. A few days later the euro was even worth less than a dollar for some time, but then the European single currency became more expensive again.
The weaker euro makes it more expensive for people who pay with the single currency to buy dollars and Antillean guilders, for example to go on holiday to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. For residents of the islands it will be cheaper to buy euros and to celebrate a holiday in the Netherlands or Europe or to visit family.