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Saturday, May 17, 2025

Dollar on the Brink: The Impact of Trump's Trade War on Currency Markets

Volatility in the dollar's value reflects trade policies, economic forecasts, and global financial dynamics.
The dollar has faced significant volatility in the financial markets this year, particularly following the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January.

In that same month, the euro fell to as low as $1.02, raising discussions about parity between the two currencies.

However, the euro rebounded strongly by mid-March, reaching $1.094.

The recent announcement of a U.S. tariff policy has now pushed the dollar to trade at $1.10 per euro, marking a 6.25% depreciation against its European counterpart since January.

These sharp fluctuations are driven by several factors, including Trump's tariff announcements, expectations of a slowdown in U.S. growth, and increased public spending pledges in Germany and other European nations aimed at military rearmament.

Consequently, the yield on the German 10-year bond rose to 2.73%, up from 2.35% at the beginning of the year.

Higher tariffs imply increased inflation in the U.S., which could lead to higher interest rates.

In this context, Europe must become more attractive to global investors to finance the costs of its rearmament with elevated rates.

Currency fluctuations play a crucial role in this scenario.

Analysts note that a weak dollar policy may have implications for the broader economic landscape.

Though rising tariffs and a strengthening economy would typically bolster the dollar, investor confidence has been undermined due to the abrupt nature of executive orders following Trump's presidency, which has negatively impacted perceptions of U.S. assets.

The general climate of uncertainty surrounding these policies has led to a notable divergence, where European stock markets have outperformed Wall Street.

The underlying question raised by numerous analysts pertains to whether Trump intends for the dollar to lose its status as the world's reserve currency.

This concern has contributed to a dramatic rise in gold prices, which have surpassed $3,000 per ounce, reflecting an increased demand for alternative reserve assets amid skepticism surrounding the dollar.

Currently, approximately 70% of international transactions occur in dollars, lending the currency a dominant role in global finance.

Its status allows the U.S. to borrow at lower rates compared to what would be available without reserve currency status.

Analysts, including Benjamin Dubois, have posited that the recent decline of the dollar could signify the beginning of a deeper trend, suggesting that if trends continue, Trump’s second term may further jeopardize the dollar’s dominant position enjoyed over the past decade.

This potential shift is theorized to hinge on the belief that a depreciated dollar would facilitate America’s reindustrialization, which is echoed in Trump’s strategic use of tariffs to provoke international currency agreements.

This theory is reminiscent of earlier currency negotiations that shaped the post-war global financial landscape.

The dollar's reigning status is attributed largely to its perceived low-risk profile in international markets.

The euro, despite its 25-year history, has failed to attain similar prestige, and attempts by emerging economies, including the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), to establish a competitive currency have yet to materialize.

Forecasts indicate that a new global financial order, unshackled from dependency on the dollar, may prove challenging and potentially turbulent.

This is underscored by concerns raised by economists regarding liquidity issues and prolonged growth adjustments associated with shifting away from dollar reliance.

Recent events mark an escalation in global trade tensions, with Trump announcing an unprecedented universal tariff of 10%, including a 20% tariff on European imports and a 34% tariff on Chinese goods.

Such measures significantly affect multiple economic variables, particularly within currency markets.

Investments in the euro are anticipated to strengthen further against the dollar, driven by expectations of diminished U.S. economic growth and a heightened likelihood for the Federal Reserve to adopt more aggressive interest rate reductions.
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