Bank finance articles and tips

The hazards posed to human health by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres have been well-documented and publicised over the past few decades and most people will know that asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. But perhaps what is less well-known is the extent to which we can still find asbestos on both industrial and residential buildings.

Below is a list of some of the most common uses of asbestos-containing products and whilst the production of such items is banned in most western countries, these product still exist in our buildings today....

The current issue is not whether the euro has performed as was promised, whether it was mis-sold or even whether it was a bad idea. It is whether or not the single currency is worth saving - would the consequences be worse if the eurozone was broken up, or if it was saved?

The choices

There is no legal way of exiting the euro. However, if a country did leave the union, regardless of the law, there would be a number of ramifications.

If a weak country, like Greece, left the euro, there would be a run on the banks. Depositors would try to withdraw their funds in euros before they were converted into a new currency. This new currency would immediately devalue against the euro (estimates range between 30% and 70% against the euro) to the extent that businesses with international bills would no longer be able to cover them, and this would increase the pressure on other struggling economies with exposure to Greek debt.