Gnomes of Zurich

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Gnomes of Zurich'

A term used by British labor ministers during the 1964 Sterling Crisis to refer to Swiss banks.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Gnomes of Zurich'

British labor ministers were convinced that the foreign exchange speculation activities of Swiss banks were causing the devaluation of the Sterling.

Just like the gnomes of legends, who dwell underground counting their riches, Swiss bankers were known for their extremely secretive policies.

Related Definitions

  • Currency

    A generally accepted form of money, including coins and paper notes, which is issued by a government and circulated within an economy. Used as a medium of exchange for goods and ...
    Read More »
  • Devaluation

    A deliberate downward adjustment to a country's official exchange rate relative to other currencies. In a fixed exchange rate regime, only a decision by a country's government (i.e ...
    Read More »
  • Exchange Rate

    The price of one country's currency expressed in another country's currency. In other words, the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another. For example, the higher the ...
    Read More »
    • Foreign Currency Effects

      The gain or loss on foreign investments due to changes in the relative value of assets denominated in a currency other than the principal currency with which a company normally conducts ...
      Read More »
    • Leprechaun Leader

      A corporate manager or an executive who, like the fabled Irish elf, is a mischievous and elusive creature said to possess buried treasures of money and gold. Also spelled "Lepre-con ...
      Read More »
    • UBS

      A multinational diversified financial services company headquartered in Switzerland. UBS is involved in virtually all major financial activities, including retail and commercial banking, ...
      Read More »
    • SIX Swiss Exchange

      Switerzland's primary stock exchange, located in Zurich. The SIX Swiss Exchange trades Swiss government bonds, stocks and derivative products such as stock options. The SIX Swiss ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links