1.   Both were strong franc proponents.

2.   A strong franc makes fixed-rate assets denominated in the Swiss currency more attractive to investors.

3.   A strong franc makes French exported products more expensive.

4.   A strong franc also means Swiss companies get fewer francs when they bring home earnings denominated in foreign currencies.

5.   A strong franc also means Swiss companies get fewer francs when they bring home their earnings denominated in weaker foreign currencies.

6.   A strong franc makes Swiss exporters less competitive as their goods are more expensive than those from countries with weaker currencies.

7.   A strong franc makes Swiss products more expensive abroad, making it tougher for businesses to compete and prompting calls for the Swiss National Bank to cut rates.

8.   A strong franc means Swiss companies get fewer francs for revenue earned abroad.

9.   A strong franc means the company gets fewer francs for each unit of foreign currency billed.

10.   A strong franc also means that Swiss companies get fewer francs when they bring home their dollar-denominated earnings.