Born on January 1 1999, the euro initially existed only as a virtual currency used in accounting and financial transactions

The current confrontation will shape resistance to austerity – and the future of the whole of Europe.

Little changed from its overnight close against the major currencies‚ as the rand held steady in early trade on Tuesday.

The dismal failure of Europe’s monetary union means it should be abandoned to save countries.

Europe’s leaders met on Wednesday for crisis talks to rescue the euro amid a warning from the West’s leading economic think-tank.

The major economic entities are in the throes of self-inflicted, but apparently insoluble, problems as they lurch their way to stagnation.

Europe’s leaders are claiming victory in the eurozone crisis after agreeing to new deals that halve Greek debt.

The rand weakened against the dollar on Tuesday, tracking losses in the euro, but should find some support during the session, traders said.

German corporate and consumer confidence sank to new lows last week, hastening fears that Europe’s biggest economy is sliding into a deep recession.

Oil fell to its lowest price in three months on Friday, briefly touching the level after the dollar muscled higher.

The rand weakened further on Friday morning as the dollar posted further gains against the euro.

As the dollar sinks against the euro, more and more European travellers are arriving on Florida shores.