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Currencies

The Trump Effect on the FOREX: The Dollar's Ascent and Its Implications

2024-11-13

The Trump era has left an indelible mark on the foreign exchange market, particularly for the US Dollar. As of now, the Dollar shows remarkable strength, climbing by +0.5% against the Euro. This upward movement has shattered the April 15 low of 1.0625E and pushed the Euro back to 1.0570, its lowest level since October 31, 2023. Simultaneously, the “$ Index” has soared by 0.4% to reach 106.45, marking its best performance since the end of October 2023. The greenback has also gained +0.5% against the yen, +0.4% against the Swiss franc, and +0.3% against the pound. This upward trajectory of the Dollar seems to have overshadowed the relevance of the CPI (US consumer price index) for the time being. From 2.30 to 4 pm, there was a notable “rally”. According to the Labor Department, inflation rose by 2.6% on an annual rate and by 0.2% sequentially in October 2024 compared to September. Excluding the traditionally volatile categories of energy (-4.9%) and food (+2.1%), the underlying annual inflation rate stood at 3.3% last month, which is in line with economists’ forecasts. On a sequential basis, the “core” CPI data rose by 0.3%. Danske Bank analysts suggest that this indicates that the markets are more focused on adapting to a new reality rather than being overly concerned about growth prospects. In the coming days, investors will be closely monitoring economic indicators to determine if the current differential between Europe and the United States is sustainable. According to CME’s FedWatch tool, the likelihood of a 25 basis point rate cut in December is less than 50%. The Dollar's performance and its implications for the global economy are topics of great interest and significance in today's financial landscape.

The Significance of the Dollar's Movement

The Dollar's ascent against major currencies is not just a statistical blip; it has far-reaching implications. The strength of the Dollar affects international trade, as it makes US exports more expensive and imports cheaper. This can have a direct impact on the balance of trade and the competitiveness of US businesses in the global market. Moreover, the movement of the Dollar is closely tied to interest rate differentials between the US and other countries. Higher interest rates in the US tend to attract foreign capital, further strengthening the Dollar. However, this also poses challenges for other economies, as it can lead to capital outflows and currency depreciation. The recent performance of the Dollar against the Euro, Swiss franc, yen, and pound highlights the complex web of relationships in the global forex market. It is essential for investors and policymakers to closely monitor these movements and understand their implications for the economy as a whole.

The Impact on International Trade

The strengthening of the Dollar has a direct impact on international trade. When the Dollar appreciates, US exports become more expensive for foreign buyers, which can lead to a decrease in demand for US goods and services. On the other hand, imports become cheaper, which can lead to an increase in domestic consumption. This can have a significant impact on industries that rely heavily on exports, such as manufacturing and agriculture. For example, a stronger Dollar can make US steel exports less competitive in the global market, leading to a decline in sales and potentially job losses in the steel industry. Conversely, a weaker Dollar can make US imports more expensive, which can lead to an increase in domestic production and job creation. However, a weaker Dollar can also lead to higher inflation, as the cost of imported goods and raw materials increases. Therefore, policymakers need to carefully balance the benefits and costs of a strong or weak Dollar when formulating economic policies.

The Role of Interest Rates

Interest rates play a crucial role in determining the value of a currency. Higher interest rates in the US attract foreign capital, as investors seek higher returns on their investments. This increased demand for the Dollar leads to an appreciation in its value. Conversely, lower interest rates can lead to a decrease in the value of the Dollar, as investors move their funds to other countries with higher interest rates. The recent upward movement of the Dollar is partly due to the expectations of higher interest rates in the US. The Federal Reserve has been gradually tightening monetary policy, which has put upward pressure on interest rates. However, the market's expectations for future interest rate hikes are still uncertain, which can lead to volatility in the forex market. Investors need to closely monitor the Fed's actions and statements to understand the future direction of interest rates and the value of the Dollar.

Since Trump's election, the dollar has witnessed a significant gain. His policies are poised to further boost the greenback, which presents both opportunities and risks. A stronger dollar can have a profound impact on global trade and inflation, as one think tank researcher pointed out.

Unraveling the Dollar's Future under Trump's Policies

Impact on Global Trade

A stronger dollar can suppress global trade, making it more challenging for countries to engage in international commerce. As the dollar appreciates, the cost of imports for other nations increases, potentially leading to a slowdown in economic growth. For example, countries that heavily rely on imports may face higher prices for essential goods and raw materials, affecting their production and consumption patterns. This could lead to a ripple effect across different sectors of the global economy.Moreover, a stronger dollar can make exports more expensive for other countries, reducing their competitiveness in the global market. This could lead to a decline in export volumes and a potential imbalance in trade flows. In some cases, it may even trigger trade disputes as countries try to protect their domestic industries from the adverse effects of a stronger dollar.

Inflationary Pressures

A stronger US currency can complicate inflation abroad. When the dollar gains value, it becomes more expensive for other countries to purchase US goods and services. This can lead to a decrease in demand for US exports, which in turn can put downward pressure on prices in the US. However, for countries with currencies that are pegged to the dollar or have a high degree of currency stability, a stronger dollar can lead to an increase in the cost of imports, potentially fueling inflation.For instance, countries that import a significant amount of oil or other commodities may see a rise in prices due to the stronger dollar. This can have a cascading effect on other sectors of the economy, as higher input costs lead to increased prices for final goods and services. In some cases, central banks may be forced to raise interest rates to combat inflation, which can have a negative impact on economic growth.

Tariff Policies and Their Impact

Trump's proposed tariffs have a significant impact on the dollar. The implementation of steep tariffs, such as a 10% blanket tariff on most US imports and a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, can lead to a depreciation of other countries' currencies. Traders sell the currencies on foreign exchange markets in response to the tariffs, causing their value to decline.For example, in 2018, when Trump imposed trade restrictions on China, the yuan depreciated by 10% against the dollar. This depreciation helped to offset some of the impact of the tariffs on US imports from China. However, more widespread tariffs on a whole range of US trading partners can lead to a broader strengthening of the dollar.Moreover, Trump's tariff plan could stoke higher inflation and higher interest rates, which would prop up the greenback. The boost to the US economy from these policies creates inflationary pressure, leading the market to expect higher interest rates. The combination of looser fiscal and tighter monetary policy tends to lead to a stronger currency.

Market Reactions and Outlook

Markets have already started to anticipate a stronger US currency under Trump's presidency. The US Dollar Index, which measures the value of the dollar against a basket of currencies, has climbed around 3% over the last month and briefly surpassed 107 on Thursday, reaching its highest level in a year.Economists are closely monitoring these developments and their implications for the global economy. While a stronger dollar can bring some benefits, such as attracting foreign investment and reducing the cost of imports, it also poses significant risks. The potential for financial instability and the need to manage currency valuations carefully are key concerns.In conclusion, Trump's policies have set in motion a series of events that are likely to shape the future of the dollar. The impact on global trade, inflation, and financial markets will be closely watched in the coming months and years. As the world navigates these uncertain times, policymakers will need to carefully balance the benefits and risks of a stronger dollar to ensure global economic stability.

Managing money efficiently during international travel is of utmost importance. In recent times, more and more travellers are choosing forex cards instead of cash currency. These cards offer a range of benefits that make travelling smoother and safer.

Unlock the Benefits of Forex Cards for Seamless Travel

Real-time Exchange Rates with Zero Markup

Forex cards provide dynamic exchange rates that are remarkably close to real-time interbank rates, with no markup. This is a significant advantage as currency notes often come with high markups, sometimes reaching up to 5%. Moreover, the availability of certain cash currencies, especially less common ones, can be limited. In such cases, the markup can be as high as 5-8%. By using a Forex card, travellers can access competitive exchange rates and avoid these inflated costs, making it a more economical choice. For instance, when travelling to a remote destination where local currency is not easily available, a Forex card ensures that you get the best exchange rate without any hidden charges.Another aspect to consider is that with a Forex card, you don't have to worry about the fluctuations in exchange rates. The card's rates are fixed at the time of loading, providing stability and predictability in your spending. This is especially useful for long-term travellers who need to manage their finances carefully.

Enhanced Security

Carrying cash poses a significant risk of theft or loss, leaving travellers in a vulnerable situation. Forex cards, on the other hand, offer enhanced security. They are prepaid and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen, similar to a regular bank card. This provides peace of mind to travellers, knowing that they have a backup in case of any unforeseen circumstances.For example, imagine you are exploring a bustling city and accidentally leave your wallet with cash in a taxi. Without a Forex card, you would be left without funds and would have to go through the hassle of reporting the theft and arranging for a new source of money. However, with a Forex card, you can simply contact the card issuer and get a replacement card delivered to your hotel or a nearby location. This saves time and ensures that you can continue with your travel plans without any major disruptions.

Ease of Reloading and Unloading

One of the key advantages of a Forex card is the ease with which you can reload and unload funds during your trip. Gone are the days of worrying about running out of cash while travelling. With the Forex card, you can instantly reload funds via the app whenever needed, giving you the flexibility to expand your holiday budget on the go.Similarly, if you have any unspent amount on the card, you can easily unload it back to your account. This allows for maximum flexibility in managing your finances and ensures that you don't end up with excess cash at the end of your trip. For instance, if you have spent a certain amount on local expenses and have some remaining balance on the Forex card, you can transfer it back to your home account and use it for other purposes or save it for future travels.

Multi-currency Compatibility

If you are planning to travel across multiple countries, a multi-currency Forex card is a convenient option. It allows you to load multiple currencies onto one card, eliminating the hassle of carrying different currencies. With this card, you can manage your spending seamlessly across different destinations by using the local currency at each place.For example, if you are visiting Europe and plan to travel to several countries, you can load euros, British pounds, and other relevant currencies onto your Forex card. This saves you the trouble of exchanging money every time you enter a new country and ensures that you have the necessary funds in the local currency. It also simplifies the expense tracking process as all transactions are recorded in the respective currencies.

Streamlined Expense Tracking and Management

The Forex card comes with a user-friendly app that offers a range of convenient tools. You can track your expenses in real-time, receive alerts for every transaction, locate ATMs, reload funds instantly, or even access a virtual card. All these features are at your fingertips, making it easy to manage your finances while travelling.Unlike cash, where it can be difficult to keep track of how much you have spent and where, the Forex card app provides a clear overview of your expenses. This helps you stay within your budget and avoid overspending. Additionally, the alerts for transactions help you keep a close eye on your spending and detect any unauthorized activities promptly.In conclusion, for today's traveller, a Forex card combines the security and convenience of card-based spending with significant advantages over cash. It offers real-time exchange rates, enhanced security, ease of use, multi-currency compatibility, and streamlined expense tracking. These features make it an ideal choice for international travellers looking to manage their money efficiently and have a hassle-free travel experience.