Orbis Exchange Group

19/03/2026

The conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices to $106 a barrel this week, up more than 40% this month alone, and currency markets are moving with it.

The dollar has strengthened as safe haven demand increases and energy revenues continue to support USD assets. The euro and sterling are under real pressure. Europe and the UK are both heavily dependent on energy imports, meaning higher oil prices drive up costs across both economies, add inflationary pressure, and push rate cuts further out. EUR/USD has fallen to seven month lows as a result, and sterling has come under similar strain.

For businesses with payments or receivables in EUR or GBP, these moves are directly affecting what international transfers cost. Speak to your Orbis Account Manager about how the current environment is affecting your exposure and what can be done to protect it.

18/03/2026

What is a limit order and when should you use one?

If you have an upcoming transfer and the current rate is not where you need it to be, a limit order allows you to set a target rate in advance and have the trade execute automatically if the market reaches that level.

This makes it a particularly effective tool during periods of volatility, when exchange rates can move quickly and significantly within a short period of time. Rather than settling for today's rate, a limit order gives your transfer the opportunity to execute at a more favourable level.

Speak to your Orbis Account Manager to find out whether a limit order is the right approach for your next transfer.

16/03/2026

View our latest market update here:

Summary The Federal Reserve, Bank of England and ECB all announce rate decisions this week, with all three widely expected to hold as the Middle East conflict keeps inflationary risks elevated A sharp downward revision to US Q4 2025 GDP and above-target PCE inflation released last Friday leav

13/03/2026

US inflation held steady at 2.4% this week, still above the Fed's 2% target, and a reminder of why inflation data is one of the most important drivers of currency markets.

When inflation is elevated, central banks hold interest rates higher to bring it under control. Higher rates make that country's assets more attractive to investors, which increases demand for the currency and pushes its value up. When inflation eases and rate cuts come back into play, that demand fades and the currency weakens with it.

That is why understanding the relationship between inflation and exchange rates matters for any business making or receiving payments across borders. At Orbis, our dealing team helps clients connect these macro developments to their own upcoming payments and exposures, so they can make more informed decisions about when and how to move their money rather than leaving it to chance.

12/03/2026

It is impossible to predict exchange rates with certainty. But while perfect prediction is off the table, good data and clear insight can still help you make more informed strategic decisions.

That is why Orbis Exchange focuses on more than just bank beating rates. Clients also get access to an experienced dealing team that can help them understand what is driving the market, how that links to their upcoming payments, and what tools are available to manage the risk around them.

Working with a dedicated Account Manager means you are not reacting to every headline on your own. Together you can unpack the forces behind recent currency moves, highlight where your business is most exposed, and identify both risks and potential opportunities.

09/03/2026

View our latest market update here:

Summary February's US non-farm payrolls delivered a significant miss, with the economy shedding 92,000 jobs and unemployment rising to 4.4%, sharpening focus on this week's CPI release as the next critical data point for Fed policy US CPI for February is due Wednesday and will be closely watc

06/03/2026

Recent developments in the Middle East have pushed oil and gas prices higher and increased demand for safe haven assets such as the US dollar.

These moves are feeding into wider market volatility. Higher energy costs are putting pressure on importers. A stronger dollar is affecting companies that buy in dollars but sell in other currencies. Risk assets are seeing more cautious positioning from investors.

In this environment, Orbis helps clients understand where they are directly exposed to these moves, and where the risk is more indirect. That includes reviewing upcoming payments that could be secured at a known rate, identifying where multi currency accounts can reduce unnecessary conversions, and comparing bank FX pricing with specialist pricing when markets are stressed.

The objective is to keep cross border payments and margins as predictable as possible, even when energy markets and major currencies are moving quickly.

02/03/2026

View Our Latest Market Update Here:

Summary A US and Israeli military strike on Iran over the weekend has triggered a sharp rise in oil prices and increased volatility across global markets, adding a significant new layer of uncertainty to the week ahead US non-farm payrolls for February are the week's headline data event, with

28/02/2026

Many companies know they have foreign currency payments coming up months in advance, but still wait and buy at the spot rate on the day.

That approach leaves the final cost open until the last moment. If the currency moves against them, the payment costs more than expected. If it moves in their favour, any benefit is unplanned.

A forward contract offers a different option.

By agreeing an exchange rate today for a future date, a business secures the rate it will use for a known payment. The amount in local currency is fixed. The timing of the cash flow is known. Pricing, budgeting, and margin calculations can then be based on a figure that does not change with the market.

It provides certainty.

For organisations working with tight margins or long lead times between agreeing a price and making a payment, that certainty can be more valuable than trying to benefit from short term market moves.

26/02/2026

Holding money in one currency while doing business in several others creates a lot of extra work for finance teams.

Each time a payment goes out or comes in, funds need to be converted. That means more transactions, more moving parts, and more places where rate movements and charges can reduce the final amount the business keeps.

A multi currency account changes that.

Instead of converting every time money moves, businesses can receive and hold funds in the currencies they actually use. They can pay overseas suppliers from those balances and decide when it makes sense to convert, rather than being forced to convert on every transaction.

This gives clearer visibility over cash positions by currency, reduces unnecessary conversions, and makes it easier to plan around future payments.

For organisations with regular cross border activity, a well structured multi currency setup can turn international payments from a series of one off conversions into a more controlled part of day to day treasury management.

23/02/2026

View our latest market update here:

Summary: Eurozone CPI Final (Wednesday): The confirmed January inflation reading for the Eurozone releases on February 25, expected to finalise the flash estimate of 1.7%, well below the ECB's 2% target. US Durable Goods Orders (Thursday): January's preliminary figures publish on February

19/02/2026

Many companies use their main bank for foreign currency simply because it is already in place. The accounts are set up, approvals are established, and payments can be processed without changing internal routines.

The visible charge is the transfer fee. The less visible cost is the rate that is applied. Even a small difference in the rate received can change the total amount paid or received in a foreign currency.

For organisations making frequent international payments, that difference is repeated across the year. It becomes a measurable cost of relying solely on standard bank pricing for FX.

Specialist providers focus only on foreign exchange. That focus allows them to price more competitively. Orbis Exchange clients generally see rates around 3 to 5 percent better than those offered by their banks, depending on currencies and volumes.

For businesses with ongoing cross border activity, reviewing FX pricing in this way is a practical step towards reducing avoidable cost.