Wesley’s Rant: Is the Dollar Still King?

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Recently when meeting with clients a few of them were asking me about the value of the dollar and what would happen if the U.S. Dollar were to lose its reserve currency status.

Firstly, what exactly does reserve currency mean? A reserve currency is a foreign currency held by a central bank. When a country acquires reserves, it does not place the currency in general circulation. Instead, it parks the reserves in the central bank. The reserves are acquired through trade, with the acquiring country selling goods in exchange for currency. Currently the U.S. Dollar is the dominant currency for the world. Because many central banks and financial institutions around the world want to hold U.S. dollars and dollar- backed securities like U.S. Treasury bonds. There is strong demand for U.S. dollars. That demand, in turn, allows the United States to borrow more cheaply (at lower interest rates) than it would otherwise.

There are currently five reserve currencies. The U.S. Dollar, the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the Chinese Renminbi, and the British Pound Sterling. Latest news articles have indicated that China has been reaching agreements with various countries like Russia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and a few others to increase the use of the Chinese currency when it comes to trade between those countries. This has increased the concern that the U.S. Dollar will no longer be the reserve currency of the world and undermine U.S. dominance on the world economic stage.

History is full of economic and societal collapses. The Mayan, Incan, Roman, and Ottoman empires are just a few examples. To some extent the United Kingdom saw the pound lose its dominance as the reserve currency as it slowly lost its power and influence in the world. Anyone that thinks the U.S. and the dollar could not face the same fate does not pay attention to history. China certainly has grand ambitions, and they are a fierce competitor to the United States when it comes the world’s economy. However, I doubt China will succeed. When you think about what made America strong, it was not the victory of the revolutionary war. It was the creation of the Constitution and the culture that founded its principles. The rule of law, private property rights, democracy, and free elections ushered the United States into dominance and its currency becoming the reserve currency of choice. Currently, the U.S. dollar represents approximately 60% of reserve currency and 90% of global financial transactions.

If the U.S. continues printing too many dollars and continues to grow the size of government, the dollar’s strength will continue to diminish. As Milton Friedman said, the more the government is involved, the higher the price of things and the lower the quality. If you are convinced that the dollar will be replaced as the dominant reserve currency, what do you think will replace the dollar in that position?

What made America strong is not its natural resources, which it has, but its citizens and freedom. China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia may have resources, but they are not free countries. A country that can take your assets and imprison its citizens will not become a world reserve currency. It is highly unlikely that the dollar will lose its status in my lifetime. However, it does not mean it could not happen in my children’s lifetimes. The “King Dollar,” will only stay that way if the U.S. keeps it fiscal and monetary house in order. We all know that government spending is out of control and that our politicians have used the last two “crisis” periods to expand the size and scope of government, not shrink it. This trend of spending and bad policies from our elected politicians must change, and it is long past due to start that process.

Wesley Lentz, 

signature wesley

Managing Partner, Financial Advisor, CFP®, J.D.

Securities are offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Wiser Financial Group is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Investor Disclosures https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC, or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor about your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward-looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. 

Meet the Wiser Advisors

Everyone who comes through our doors has their own financial story. We’ll take the time to find a Wiser Advisor for you who has the right expertise to respond to your unique needs.

© The Wiser Financial Group
6100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49009
269.372.1430 | 800.292.1472
Site Made in Michigan by NK

 


Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Neither Kestra IS nor Kestra AS are affiliated with The Wiser Financial Group nor any other entity referenced herein. Neither Kestra IS nor its affiliates provide legal or tax advice and are not Certified Public Accounting firms. 

Investor Disclosures https://www.kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives of Kestra Investment Services, LLC and Investment Advisor Representatives of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC, may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all of the products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact our Compliance department at 737-443-2582.

The above links are provided for your information only. As they are provided by third parties, Kestra Investment Services, LLC does not endorse, nor accept any responsibility for the content. Kestra IS does not independently verify this information, nor do we guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

BrokerCheck