What are the Economic Factors That Cause the Depreciation Of USD?

| Updated on March 27, 2024

In the context of the US dollar, currency depreciation refers to the decrease in the dollar’s value as compared to another currency. Currency parity may be defined as a situation where one US dollar can be swapped for one Canadian dollar, for instance.

The weakening of the dollar may be caused by a wide range of economic reasons. Monetary policy, price increases or inflation, currency demand, economic growth, and export prices are a few examples.

After a decade of dollar depreciation, some in Congress and the general public are concerned that the dollar’s loss is a sign of more serious economic difficulties, such as slow economic recovery and mounting public debt. The economy of the United States might be adversely affected by a weakening currency.

As a result of increased exports, lower international purchasing power, rising commodity prices, and an increase in interest rates, the United States may also experience a reduction in external debt, the possible undermining of the dollar’s status as a reserve currency, and an increased risk of a dollar crisis if the trend continues. A legislative policy cannot readily handle a variable like the exchange rate. The dollar’s international value may be impacted by the 112th Congress’s actions on a wide range of policy topics, including lifting the debt ceiling, decreasing the budget deficit, and stabilizing federal government long-term debt growth.

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions, which Congress has oversight responsibility for, may also have an impact on the currency. You may know that the major factor in determining the dollar’s exchange rate is the supply and demand volume for dollars in worldwide foreign exchange markets. Moreover, the trading of dollar-denominated products and services (e.g., stocks, bonds, and real estate) on global markets have a great impact as well. As a result, many Forex traders and investors are looking for Forex brokers that provide services that may assist them in forecasting future exchange rate fluctuations. 

Frankly speaking, there are various well-known methods to locate Forex brokers, including websites such as TopRatedForexBrokers.com, which offer traders information on brokers and the services they provide. It is also worth noting that foreign asset-market transactions are likely to be the most important factor in influencing the exchange rate’s appreciation or depreciation in most cases. Cross-border asset flows may be affected by a wide range of circumstances. So, what are the determinants of the fall in the value of the US dollar?

Economic Factors That Affect The USD Value

The Federal Reserve (the country’s central bank, often referred to as the Fed) sets interest rates in the United States. It is referred to as “easing” if, for example, the Fed reduces rates or undertakes QE measures like the purchase of bonds. When central banks lower interest rates, it is said to ease the financial situation. Consumers and companies in the United States ultimately spend the borrowed money, which helps to boost the country’s economy.

A weaker dollar might result from the execution of the so-called “easy” monetary policy. As a fiat currency, the dollar may be printed out of thin air since it is not backed by any actual object (such as gold or silver). The law of supply and demand kicks in when additional money is generated, reducing the value of current money.

As a result, investors often seek assets with the best possible returns, or, more simply put, the highest interest rates. When the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, the yields on US Treasuries, which are bonds, tend to decline as well. Investors are moving their money out of the United States into nations with higher interest rates to get a better profit. As a consequence, the dollar depreciates against the currencies of nations with higher yields.

The depreciation or appreciation of the dollar is inversely related to the inflation rate of the United States compared to that of its trade partners. As a result, other countries have to pay more to buy these items.

Demand for a country’s currency keeps it robust. Despite not exporting more than it buys, the US has discovered another method to inflate the demand for US dollars across the world

In the world of finance, the dollar is referred to as a “reserve currency.” Oil and gold are among the commodities purchased with the help of reserve currency held by governments throughout the globe. The false demand for the reserve currency is generated when the vendors of these items seek payment in that currency.

There is a concern in the United States that China’s rising desire to elevate the yuan to the position of a reserve currency may lead to a decline in demand for US dollars. Concerns about oil-producing countries no longer accepting payment in US currency are also being voiced. Depreciation of the dollar is almost certain if the fictitious demand for dollars is reduced in any way.

Currency depreciation may occur when the price of a major export product falls. As an example, when oil prices fall, the Canadian currency (known as the loonie) decreases.

People are like nations. Some of them are living paycheck to paycheck. Everyone understands that this is a terrible idea since it creates debt. The United States is a long-term example of a nation that buys much more than it exports.

Additionally, political instability, investor behavior (risk aversion), and declining macroeconomic fundamentals all contribute to the depreciation of the US dollar. When looking at these aspects individually, it is impossible to pinpoint a single reason that will cause currency values to fall in the short term.

As a result, the many causes that might cause a decline in the value of a currency must be weighed against one another. Investors who speculate in currency markets face strong impediments, as shown by the abrupt fall of the Swiss franc in 2015 when the country’s central bank made an unexpected move to weaken the currency.

Also Read- Can you Start Investing in Bitcoins with $100?


John M. Flood

John is a crypto enthusiast, Fintech writer, and stock trader. His writings provide guides to perform your best in the crypto world and stock planet. He is a B-Tech graduate from Stanford University and also holds a certification in creative writing. John also has 5 years of experience in exploring and understanding better about the FinTech industry. Over time, he gained experience and expertise by implementing his customized strategies to play in the crypto market.

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