The advent of monetary union should turn investors' attention increasingly toward the companies of continental Europe. In the past, the private investor has tended to look mainly to the Irish, British or US stock markets for investment opportunities. But the removal of exchange-rate risk following the introduction of a single currency should help make French and German blue-chip stocks more familiar names. "We expect growing interest in continental Europe and in the big companies on the continental exchanges," says Mr Brian O'Loughlin, head of investment services at Riada Stockbrokers. "Instead of buying Bank of Ireland, CRH and maybe Marks and Spencer, people will start thinking about investing in BNP in France, in Italian insurer Generali or Siemens in Germany." Brokers already report good interest in investing in European stocks. "We recommend people to buy a trust quoted in sterling a German or French trust, a European smaller companies trust or a privatisation trust," says Mr Angus McDonnell, managing partner at Bloxham Stockbrokers.