Why Does the Value of the Dollar Change?
The value of the dollar shows how much the dollar can buy compared to the currencies of other countries. The dollar exchange rate is the most common method of measuring the value of the dollar. These rates change every day because currencies are traded on the foreign exchange market ("forex"). The forex value of a currency depends on these factors:
- Central bank interest rates
- The country's debt level
- Economical power
When these factors are strong, the value of the currency is also strong. Most countries operate flexible exchange rates and allow forex transactions to determine the value of their currencies. The Federal Reserve has many monetary tools that allow it to indirectly regulate exchange rates.
To understand how the value of the dollar has changed over time, let's look at some events in recent years:
- 2002-07: US debt increased by 60%, while the dollar fell by 40%. While one euro was 0.87 dollars in 2002, it was 1.46 dollars in December 2007.
- 2008: At the beginning of the global financial crisis, the dollar strengthened thanks to its "safe haven" status and other factors. At the end of the year, the euro was $1.35.
- 2009: Dollar falls 20% due to debt concerns. In December, the euro was $1.46.
- 2010: Greek debt crisis weakened the euro and strengthened the dollar. At the end of the year the euro was only $1.32.
- 2011: The value of the dollar against the euro fell by 10%. He later recovered. As of December 30, 2011, the euro was again at $1.32.
- 2012: At the end of 2012 the euro was still around $1.32.
- 2013: The dollar depreciated against the euro, as it seemed that the European Union had finally resolved the euro zone crisis. It was $1.37 in December.
- 2014: Euro-dollar parity dropped to 1.23 as investors fled the euro.
- 2015: Euro-dollar parity dropped to 1.12 in March. It dropped to 1.05 after the Paris attacks in November and finished the year at 1.08.
- 2016: The Euro rose to 1.13 in February as the Dow entered a stock market correction.
Reasons for the change in the value of the dollar include:
- Global demand: The dollar is in high demand due to its use as a reserve currency in global trade. Since the prices of commodities, especially oil, are determined in dollars, other countries have to hold dollars. When more countries want to hold dollars, the value of the dollar increases; It decreases when fewer countries want it.
- Money supply: The US Federal Reserve (Fed) can affect the value of the dollar by increasing or decreasing the money supply. It can stimulate the economy by increasing the money supply or reduce it to prevent inflation. When the money supply increases, the value of the dollar decreases; When it decreases, it increases.
- Interest rates: The Fed can indirectly affect the value of the dollar by changing interest rates. When interest rates rise, investors buy dollars hoping for higher returns. This increases the value of the dollar. When interest rates drop, investors look elsewhere for better returns. This reduces the value of the dollar.
The value of the dollar has a significant impact on the US economy and the world economy. When the value of the dollar increases, U.S. goods and services become more expensive relative to other countries. This reduces exports and increases the trade deficit. It could also reduce the number of tourists coming to the United States. When the value of the dollar decreases, US goods and services become cheaper than those in other countries. This increases exports and creates a trade surplus. It could also increase the number of tourists to the United States.
The value of the dollar also affects the price level in the United States. When the value of the dollar increases, imported goods become cheaper. This may reduce inflation or cause deflation. When the value of the dollar decreases, imported goods become more expensive. This increases inflation or can lead to hyperinflation.
Ultimately, the answer to the question of why the value of the dollar changes depends on supply and demand factors. Changing the value of the dollar creates benefits and costs for both the U.S. and world economies.