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What Countries Use the US Dollar?What Countries Use the US Dollar? The US dollar is more than just the currency of the United States; it's a global powerhouse used by countries worldwide. Whether as legal tender or alongside local currencies, the US dollar plays a significant role in international trade and finance. In this article, we’ll explore what countries use American dollars, where it circulates alongside local money, and why its influence extends far beyond US borders. Overview of the US Dollar as a Global Currency The US dollar (USD) has held a dominant position in global finance since the mid-20th century. After World War II, the Bretton Woods Agreement established the USD as the backbone of the international monetary system, linking it to gold and making it the preferred currency for trade and investment. Even though the gold standard was abandoned in the 1970s, the US dollar remained crucial for international transactions. Today, the USD is the world's primary reserve currency, held by central banks across the globe to stabilise economies and facilitate trade. As of Q2 2024, nearly 60% of all global foreign exchange reserves are in dollars, and it accounts for 88% of forex trades (as of April 2022). The USD is used in pricing major commodities like oil, gold, and metals, further solidifying its role in global markets. Want to observe how prices of these commodities have changed over the years? Head over to FXOpen’s free TickTrader trading platform to get started with real-time charts. Countries often hold USD as a hedge against their own currencies' volatility or to back their financial systems. Whether through official dollarisation or pegs, many economies depend on the USD for economic stability and international trade. What Countries Use the US Dollar? Several countries around the world have adopted the US dollar as their official currency, a practice known as dollarisation. This usually happens when a nation decides that using the USD will provide greater economic stability than their local currency, particularly in countries that have struggled with high inflation or political instability. So how many countries have dollar currency? - Ecuador: After a severe economic downturn, Ecuador adopted the US dollar in 2000. By using the USD, Ecuador stabilised its economy, controlled inflation, and regained investor confidence. - El Salvador: El Salvador is a country where the US dollar is the legal currency. In 2001, it switched to the USD to increase economic stability and promote foreign investment. This move has helped the country maintain inflation at lower levels. - Zimbabwe: After facing hyperinflation in the late 2000s, Zimbabwe abandoned its currency in 2009 and began using several foreign currencies, including the USD. However, the country has struggled with stability and frequently shifts between foreign currencies and local ones. - Timor-Leste: Since 2000, Timor-Leste has used the USD to help stabilise its economy, which was heavily reliant on foreign aid and oil exports. - British Virgin Islands: An overseas British territory, the British Virgin Islands, uses USD as its official currency due to its strong trade links with the US and its role as a financial hub. - Turks and Caicos Islands: Another British overseas territory in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos also uses the USD, mainly because of its heavy reliance on tourism from the United States. - Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands: These Pacific island nations have long-standing agreements with the US, adopting the US dollar as part of their Compacts of Free Association, which provide economic aid and defence in exchange for using the USD. - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba: Collectively referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands, they officially adopted the United States dollar (USD) as their currency on January 1, 2011, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010. The switch to the USD was aimed at enhancing economic stability and simplifying transactions with the United States, a key trade partner and significant source of tourism for the region. Countries and Territories Where the US Dollar Is Used Alongside Local Currencies In many countries and territories, the US dollar is used alongside local currencies, often for international trade, tourism, or to hedge against inflation. While not officially replacing local money, the US dollar plays a vital role in these economies. Here’s a closer look at other countries that use the US dollar alongside local currencies: - Panama: Since 1904, Panama has used the US dollar alongside its local currency, the balboa. The country chose the USD due to its strong trading ties with the United States, especially with the Panama Canal's importance to global trade. - Cambodia: The riel is Cambodia’s official currency, but the US dollar is widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. It’s estimated that over 80% of the country’s deposits and loans are in USD, reflecting its dominance in the economy, particularly in urban areas. - Bahamas: The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to USD, and both are used interchangeably throughout the islands, especially in tourism-driven sectors. Many businesses and ATMs accept both currencies without issue. - Bermuda: The Bermudian dollar is also pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and both are widely accepted. The USD is frequently used in international trade and by tourists visiting the island. - Belize: In Belize, the Belizean dollar is officially used, but the US dollar is accepted nearly everywhere. The local currency is pegged to the USD at a fixed rate of 2:1, and many businesses, especially those catering to tourists, price goods and services in US dollars. - Liberia: This country uses the US dollar as its paper currency alongside the Liberian dollar. The USD is often preferred for larger transactions and savings, particularly in urban areas. It has been a significant part of the country’s financial system due to its historical ties with the United States. - Myanmar (Burma): The Myanmar kyat is the official currency, but the USD is widely used, particularly in tourism, international trade, and foreign investment. Many hotels, airlines, and larger businesses will accept USD for transactions. - Lebanon: The Lebanese pound is the official currency, but the US dollar is extensively used, especially given the recent economic crisis and hyperinflation. Many sectors of the economy rely on the USD to preserve value and enable trade. - Argentina: Although the Argentine peso is the national currency, the US dollar is commonly used for savings and major purchases, such as property. High inflation and currency controls have driven many Argentinians to hold USD to protect their wealth. - Peru: While the Peruvian sol is the official currency, the USD is often used for real estate, tourism, and larger transactions. Many Peruvians prefer to keep their savings in USD to avoid potential depreciation. - Haiti: The Haitian gourde is the official currency, but the US dollar is widely accepted, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Many businesses and services cater to both the local population and tourists, pricing in both gourdes and USD. - Vietnam: While the Vietnamese dong is the official currency, the US dollar is commonly used for larger transactions, particularly in the tourism and real estate sectors. Some high-end hotels and international businesses price goods and services in USD. How Does the US Dollar Affect Economies That Don’t Use It Directly? Even countries that don’t use the US dollar directly feel its impact. Many nations peg their local currency to the USD, such as Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. These currency pegs mean that when the value of the US dollar shifts, so does the value of their currency, affecting everything from inflation to trade competitiveness. A stronger USD can make these countries' exports more expensive and reduce demand, while a weaker dollar has the opposite effect. Additionally, a large portion of global debt, particularly in emerging markets, is issued in US dollars. If the dollar strengthens, these countries face higher costs when repaying loans, which can strain government budgets and hurt economic growth. Fluctuations in the USD also influence commodity prices, as goods like oil and gold are priced in dollars. When it rises, commodity prices often fall, impacting countries that rely on exports of these resources. Challenges of Using the US Dollar Countries that use USD, whether adopted or pegged to it, face significant challenges. The most pressing issue is the loss of monetary control. When a country uses the US dollar, it can no longer set its own interest rates or control its money supply, leaving it vulnerable to the decisions of the US Federal Reserve. For example, if the Fed raises interest rates, borrowing costs increase globally, even for economies that might not take advantage of tighter monetary policy. Countries also lose the ability to devalue their currency to make exports more competitive, which can hinder economic growth. This lack of flexibility can be problematic during local economic downturns, as governments have fewer tools to stimulate their economy or combat inflation. Additionally, dependence on the US dollar exposes economies to external shocks. A sharp appreciation in USD can hurt countries with significant USD-denominated debt, making it more expensive to service loans. While the US dollar provides stability, these countries sacrifice a degree of autonomy over their economic policies. The Bottom Line The US dollar’s global reach impacts economies worldwide, whether as legal tender or widely circulated paper currency. Understanding its role can help traders navigate international markets. If you're ready to take advantage of currency movements, consider opening an FXOpen account. With FXOpen, you'll gain access to the tools and platforms to trade major currencies, including the USD, and take advantage of our low-cost, high-speed trading environment. FAQ What Country Uses the US Dollar as Its Paper Currency? Several countries use the US dollar as paper currency alongside their local money. Cambodia, Argentina, and Lebanon, for example, commonly accept USD for larger transactions despite having their own official currencies. Does El Salvador Use USD? Yes, El Salvador officially adopted the US dollar in 2001. The decision was made to stabilise the economy and reduce inflation, offering more stability in the financial system. Today, the USD is used for all transactions, making it the primary currency in the country. Does Panama Use USD? Yes, Panama has used the US dollar since 1904 alongside its local currency, the balboa. The USD is used for most transactions, and the balboa is pegged 1:1 with the dollar, meaning both currencies are interchangeable within the country. Does Ecuador Use the US Dollar? Ecuador has used the US dollar since 2000, after a severe financial crisis. The switch helped stabilise the economy, reduce hyperinflation, and restore public confidence in the financial system. Today, the USD is the sole official currency. Does Puerto Rico Use the US Dollar? Yes, as an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as its official currency. The USD is used for all financial transactions, just like in any US state. Where Does the US Dollar Have the Most Value? The US dollar tends to have more purchasing power in countries with weaker local currencies. Examples include countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where the USD can buy significantly more goods and services compared to stronger economies. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
FXOPEN:DXYEducation
by FXOpen
1
From Fiat to Crypto: A Pragmatic View on Cross-Asset USD Impact1. Introduction: Why Understanding USD Impact Matters The U.S. dollar (USD) plays a pivotal role in shaping global financial markets, especially for assets denominated in dollars, such as S&P 500 Futures (ES/MES). Its movements affect equity market flows, international capital dynamics, and, ultimately, price trends for USD-denominated instruments. However, traditional methods of gauging USD strength often fall short of capturing the nuanced interplay between fiat currencies and emerging digital assets. To bridge this gap, we introduce a pragmatic and dynamic solution: the USD Proxy. By combining a carefully weighted mix of key global currencies (Euro and Yen) with Bitcoin (BTC), this proxy provides a comprehensive and CME-specific lens for understanding USD strength. It is a modern approach to assess the dollar's “true” influence on equity markets, particularly the S&P 500 Futures. 2. The USD Proxy: A Pragmatic Cross-Asset Index The USD Proxy is built to reflect real-time market dynamics, offering traders a potentially more relevant measure of the dollar’s impact. Unlike static indexes, this proxy is dynamic, continuously adjusting based on three major components: Euro Futures (6E): Representing the largest fiat currency trading block. Japanese Yen Futures (6J): Capturing the Asian market's influence. Bitcoin Futures (BTC): Adding a layer of innovation by integrating cryptocurrency, which operates independently of traditional fiat systems. The weighting is determined by notional values, market prices, and volume-weighted activity as volumes change and evolve through time, ensuring the proxy adapts to liquidity and relative importance. This structure provides a balanced view of USD strength across fiat and crypto markets, making it highly applicable to modern trading. 3. Adjusting S&P 500 Futures Using the USD Proxy To uncover the “true” equity market performance, the S&P 500 Futures can be adjusted using the USD Proxy. The formula is straightforward: Adjusted S&P 500 Futures = S&P 500 Futures Price x USD Proxy Value This adjustment neutralizes the effects of USD strength or weakness, revealing the core price action of the equity market. By doing so, traders can distinguish between moves driven by dollar fluctuations and those stemming from genuine market trends. For example, during periods of a strengthening USD, the unadjusted S&P 500 Futures may appear weaker due to currency pressure. However, the adjusted version may provide a clearer picture of the underlying equity market, enabling traders to make more informed decisions. 4. Regular vs. Adjusted S&P 500 Futures: Key Insights The comparison between regular and USD Proxy-adjusted S&P 500 Futures charts could reveal critical divergences that may have been often overlooked. These divergences highlight how currency fluctuations can obscure or exaggerate the equity market’s actual performance. For instance, while the S&P 500 Futures have recently reached new all-time highs, some market participants may view this as an indication of the market being overpriced. However, when adjusted using the USD Proxy, the chart reveals a different reality: the S&P 500 Futures are far from their highs. This adjustment aims to neutralize the currency's impact, uncovering that the recent record-breaking levels in the unadjusted chart are likely largely influenced by USD dynamics rather than true underlying equity market performance. 5. Trading Opportunities in Adjusted S&P 500 Futures The adjusted S&P 500 Futures chart opens up new possibilities for traders to identify actionable insights and anomalies. By neutralizing the currency effect, traders can: Spot Relative Overperformance: Identify instances where the adjusted chart shows strength compared to the regular chart, signaling robust underlying equity market dynamics. Capitalize on Potential Anomalies: Detect price-action discrepancies caused by abrupt currency moves and align trades accordingly. Refine Entry and Exit Points: Use the adjusted chart especially during high-volatility periods influenced by the USD. 6. Trading Application: A Long Opportunity in Adjusted S&P 500 Futures Trade Setup: o Instrument: S&P 500 Futures (ES) or Micro S&P 500 Futures (MES). o Entry Point: Around 5900.00 o Targets: Primary Target: 6205.75 (aggressive traders, Fibonacci extension level). Conservative Target: 6080.00 (moderate traders, earlier Fibonacci extension). o Stop Loss: Below the entry, calculated to maintain a 1:3 reward-to-risk ratio. Rationale: The adjusted S&P 500 Futures chart highlights a technical setup where the price is reacting to: Breakout to the Upside: The adjusted chart is breaking out of a key resistance level, signaling potential continuation of upward momentum. The 20-SMA: Acting as dynamic support, aligning with recent price behavior. Technical Support Level: A key horizontal level. These converging factors suggest the potential for a bullish continuation, targeting Fibonacci extension levels at 6205.75 or 6080.00. The adjusted chart provides added confidence that the move is not overly influenced by USD fluctuations, grounding the analysis in equity-specific dynamics. Trade Mechanics: o Instrument Options: ES (full-size contract), with a point value of $50 per point. MES (micro-sized version), designed for smaller accounts or precision risk management, with a point value of $5 per point—10 times smaller than the full-size ES contract. o Margins (approximate, depending on broker): ES: Approximately $15,000 per contract. MES: Approximately $1,5000 per contract—10 times smaller than the ES margin. Execution Plan Example: Place Buy Limit Order at 5900.00. Set Stop Loss below the entry, maintaining a 1:3 reward-to-risk ratio. Take partial profits or adjust stop losses as the price approaches 6080.00 for conservative traders or 6205.75 for aggressive targets. 7. Conclusion: A Fresh Perspective on USD and Equity Futures By introducing the USD Proxy and applying it to S&P 500 Futures, traders gain a powerful tool to assess market dynamics. This cross-asset approach—spanning fiat and crypto—bridges the gap between traditional and modern financial metrics, offering unparalleled insights. The adjusted S&P 500 Futures chart neutralizes currency distortions, revealing the market's true movements. Whether identifying divergences, refining trading strategies, or uncovering hidden opportunities, this method empowers traders to approach the market with clarity and precision. As markets evolve, tools like the USD Proxy demonstrate the importance of integrating diverse assets to stay ahead in a complex trading environment. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by traddictiv
Understanding GBPUSDToday we will be taking a closer look at understanding GBPUSD . GBP -no global business -risk currency -more linked to the UK economy, politics, central banking USD -global business currency -safe haven globally -Petrodollar UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENCY PAIR -we have to understand that within this pair “ GBPUSD ” one is a “ risk ” currency ( GBP ). ( USD ) is a “ safe haven currency ” and is also known as the world reserve currency. During times of economic uncertainty our doubt , or during any periods of times where we have more $ strength, which can be induced by the FED central banking, interest rate hikes and so forth, we will always have the $ dominate, even if the other currency can have some short term strength. THE USD IS THE WORLD RESERVE CURRENCY What does this mean? -this means that the majority of INTERNATIONAL business is denominated in USD. We can see this very relevant when we are looking at the OIL industry and how oil is always exchanged in USD. Hence the name “PETRODOLLAR”.
Education
by FxPocket
Who Benefits from a Weak Dollar?Who Benefits from a Weak Dollar? As the global reserve currency, the performance of the US dollar (USD) against currencies from other countries is an important trading indicator. While a weak dollar might sound negative, there are financial assets that benefit when the US currency – also known as the greenback because of the colour of the banknotes – trades lower relative to other currencies. Who benefits from a weak dollar? In this FXOpen article, we look at the definition of a strong dollar vs a weak dollar and how you can use a weak dollar in your favour. What Is a Strong vs a Weak US Dollar? The foreign exchange (FX) market operates like other financial markets – prices are driven by supply and demand. On the FX market, currencies are traded in pairs. What affects the performance of a strong currency vs a weak currency? Supply consists of the currency being sold, while demand is created by the currency being bought. As in other markets, the value of one currency relative to another fluctuates constantly based on macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, inflation, central bank reserves, and trade balances. As prices fluctuate, there are opportunities to profit from trading strong and weak currencies. For example, when consumers and businesses increase demand for US dollars, the value of the currency increases – or strengthens – relative to other currencies, allowing traders to exchange their dollars for a larger amount of another currency than before. Still, if they want to buy the USD, they will get less of it than they could previously. Conversely, when demand for the dollar falls, its value weakens relative to other currencies and traders receive a smaller amount of foreign currency than before or can buy more dollars with their native currency. What Causes a Weak Dollar? Several major drivers cause the USD and other currencies to weaken, including: - Central bank policy. In the US, the Federal Reserve sets interest rate policy, which tends to drive the demand and supply of dollars. When interest rates rise, investors bring funds into the country to receive higher interest payments, increasing demand for the currency. When interest rates fall, investors look to other countries with higher rates where they can receive a larger return. - Inflation. High inflation reduces the dollar’s purchasing power, pulling down its value against other currencies. - Fiscal policy. US government policies on spending lower the value of the dollar if they increase supply through economic stimulus, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic. - Economic growth. A slowdown or contraction in growth has the potential to make the US less attractive to foreign investors and traders and weigh on demand for USD. - External central banks. Monetary policies of other central banks, e.g. the European Central Bank (ECB) or the Bank of England (BOE), can result in their currencies strengthening relative to the dollar. - Geopolitics. The greenback is considered to be a safe-haven asset, meaning that during times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, investors sell their higher-risk assets and buy it as a store of wealth. The dollar tends to decline when risk-on sentiment prevails. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the USD against a basket of other currencies, initially fell during the Covid-19 pandemic as extended lockdowns affected the global economy but rose as restrictions eased. However, a “strong” currency is not always better than a “weak” currency. Some groups can benefit from a weaker currency. Who Benefits When the US Dollar Weakens? Multinational Companies US-based companies that generate substantial amounts of revenue in foreign currency from other countries can raise their profits, as they receive more dollars when they convert their earnings. For example, if a US multinational company sells goods in Europe and brings in €1 million in revenue, an exchange rate of €1 to $1 would convert to $1 million. However, if the dollar weakens to $1.20 to €1, the same €1 million would be worth $1.2 million. Multinational companies that operate in multiple countries and multiple currencies can boost profits across their foreign operations. US Exporters US firms that export their products and services abroad benefit when the greenback falls in value as they become cheaper for foreign buyers, increasing demand. If exporters raise their prices in USD terms, these will still translate into higher prices in other currencies. US Producers A lower US dollar makes imports of goods and services produced in foreign countries more expensive for US consumers. This benefits US producers that compete with importers, as they can sell more domestically-manufactured goods – such as American cars – to US buyers at lower prices than imported goods. When the US dollar weakens, the relative value of the euro rises, making a car imported from a German manufacturer more expensive for US consumers to buy as the company will need to raise the dollar price to receive the same amount of euros. Investors Traders and investors in assets paired with or priced in USD can benefit from better performance when the greenback weakens. And as multinational companies tend to increase their profits, their shareholders can benefit from higher stock prices and dividends. Prolonged weakness in the dollar can encourage overseas companies to acquire US companies at a discount. In addition, investors in foreign stocks, bonds, or other assets receive higher returns when they sell the investments and exchange the proceeds for USD. If dollar weakness prompts the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates to stimulate the economy, borrowing costs fall for those who borrow US dollars to finance their investments. As we have seen, a decline in the value of the dollar is not always negative. So, what does a weak dollar mean for traders? How can you trade to profit from a falling USD? How to Trade a Weak Dollar There are different ways traders can make money from US dollar weakness. You can trade indices, stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies* via CFDs on platforms such as TickTrader. Short the US Dollar Index You can go short on the USD by selling the US Dollar Index or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the direction of the dollar. To short it, you open a sell position and wait for its value to decline. When closing a trade, you buy it back. The difference between the ask and bid prices is your profit. Trade Currency Pairs If you expect the greenback to weaken, you can trade it against another currency by buying a pair where it’s a quote currency, e.g. EUR/USD, and selling a pair in which it is a base currency, e.g. USD/JPY. Buy Commodities Commodities such as crude oil, metals, and coffee tend to trade in an inverse relationship to the US dollar because they are priced in USD, so a lower value of the US dollar means that commodities become cheaper for buyers, so the demand increases. You can go long on commodities such as gold when the dollar begins falling to profit from the price rise. Buy Stocks As US multinationals and exporters perform well when the USD weakens, investing in their stocks can generate positive returns. For example, healthcare company Johnson & Johnson’s share price has historically tended to rise on a weaker USD. The stock gained around 20% when the dollar fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, as investors anticipated that the company's foreign revenue would rise in dollar terms. Buy Cryptocurrencies* Cryptocurrencies* such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as an alternative asset class that you can use to potentially profit from currency fluctuations, such as hedging against a weak greenback. Cryptocurrencies* tend to gain value when the USD weakens, so you can go long when you expect it to fall and exit the position when it strengthens. Downsides of a Weak Dollar For traders and investors, a weak greenback can help generate profits, but there are drawbacks to an extended decline. As the purchasing power of American consumers falls over time, they can cut spending and switch to generic brands, reducing US revenues for multinational firms and weighing on their share prices. Traders holding US dollars also have lower purchasing power when buying foreign assets, such as non-US stocks priced in other currencies. When the value of the USD declines, volatility in financial markets can rise as investors and traders become more risk-averse. A lower USD exchange rate also affects trade with nations with stronger currencies. It can become more attractive for other countries to adjust their currency values to gain a competitive advantage in international trade. The potential for currency manipulation can contribute to political tensions. The Bottom Line The use of the terms “strong” vs “weak” in describing currencies does not always equate to “good” and “bad”. There are opportunities to trade on a weak US dollar that can generate profits for traders. It is important for traders and investors to carefully analyse the opportunities and downsides of a weak US dollar before taking a position. They should stay informed about the global economic and geopolitical developments that can affect currency values and financial markets. If you are looking to trade assets based on the value of the USD, you can open an FXOpen account and trade forex, cryptocurrencies*, indices, stocks and commodities. *At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules. They are not available for trading by Retail clients.
Education
by FXOpen
6
What America Does with Its Money ? 🇺🇸 Decoding America's Spending: A Deep Dive into Government Finances This topic has been on the horizon for a while, and I think many new traders will be pleased to see it so LFG Just like a business, the government has its own financial records : 💰 Money comes in (primarily from taxes) 💸 Money goes out (to fund a variety of programs) With an expected gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly $29 trillion in 2024, the US remains the world’s largest economy, surpassing China’s $18.5 trillion. However, the US government isn’t exactly profitable. In fact, it’s been consistently running a growing deficit, raising concerns about its long-term financial stability. As a general election approaches, it's more important than ever to understand how the US generates and spends its money. So, let’s dive into the details Here’s a quick overview: - Revenue: A deep dive into taxes - Spending: Powering the nation - Bottom Line: Operating costs & the deficit - National Debt: A mounting challenge - The Future: America's financial outlook 1. Revenue: A Deep Dive into Taxes The US government operates on an enormous scale, and like any large organization, it requires a consistent stream of income to stay functional. However, unlike businesses that sell products or services, the government generates revenue primarily through taxes and fees In fiscal year 2023, the federal government collected an astounding $4.4 trillion So, where does all of this money come from? Let’s take a closer look: 👥 Individual Income Taxes:Nearly 50% of the government’s total revenue comes from individuals. Every time you receive a paycheck, a portion is automatically sent to Uncle Sam. This also includes taxes on capital gains from investments. 🏦 Social Security and Medicare Taxes: About 36% of revenue is generated from these taxes, which support programs like Social Security and Medicare for retirees and older adults. It’s a system where current workers help fund benefits for those who have already retired. 🏢 Corporate Income Taxes:Around 10% of the total revenue comes from businesses, which contribute a portion of their profits to the federal government. This is reflected in the income tax provisions that companies report. 🧩 Other Revenue:The remaining ~4% is sourced from various channels such as excise taxes (extra charges on goods like alcohol and tobacco), estate taxes, customs duties, and even fees collected from national park visits. 2. Spending: Powering the Nation Now that we’ve seen how money flows into the US Treasury, it’s time to explore the exciting part figuring out how it’s spent. The US government faces the enormous responsibility of keeping the country functioning, covering everything from national defense to healthcare and infrastructure. And that demands a massive amount of spending In fiscal year 2023, the federal government's net cost was $7.9 trillion, which is almost as large as the combined GDP of Germany and Japan the world’s third and fourth largest economies! -Outlays vs. Net Cost:In FY23, total outlays (the actual cash spent) reached $6.1 trillion. Outlays refer to the cash disbursements, while the net cost also includes accrual-based accounting adjustments, such as changes in the future value of federal employee retirement benefits. Who’s Deciding Where the Money Goes So, how does the government determine how to allocate all this money? It’s a balancing act involving both the President and Congress: -The President’s Proposal: The President begins the process by proposing a budget, outlining spending priorities based on requests from federal agencies. Think of it as a wish list—with a lot of extra zeros. -House and Senate Role:Next, the House and Senate Budget Committees take over. They review the President’s proposal, make adjustments, and ultimately create the final spending bills. This process involves hearings, debates, and a fair amount of political negotiation. Types of Spending -Mandatory Spending:These are legally required expenses, like Social Security and Medicare, which make up a significant portion of the budget. These costs rise over time, particularly as the population ages -Discretionary Spending:This is the part of the budget where the President and Congress decide how much to allocate to areas like defense, education, and more. In FY23, discretionary spending accounted for roughly 28% of total outlays, and it involves a yearly struggle as various departments compete for funding. -Supplemental Spending: In cases of emergency, Congress can pass additional funding outside the normal budget cycle, as it did for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Where the Money Goes Now, let's dive deeper into the specific areas where all that spending is directed: -🏥 Healthcare Heavyweight:The Department of Health and Human Services commands the largest portion of spending, making up 22% of the net cost. This reflects the huge outlays for healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. -👵 Social Safety Net:Programs like Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration also require significant funding, together accounting for 18% of the budget. This demonstrates the high priority placed on supporting veterans and retirees. -🫡 Defense and Security:The Department of Defense, tasked with ensuring national security, takes up 13% of government spending! -💸 The Interest Burden: A growing share of the budget is going toward paying interest on the national debt, consuming 9% of total spending. In FY23, government outlays represented 22% of the US economy (GDP). Over the past decade, this figure has remained slightly above 20%, excluding the exceptional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Bottom Line: Operating Cost & Deficit When government expenditures exceed its revenue, a budget deficit occurs In FY23, the U.S. government recorded a $1.7 trillion deficit (revenue minus outlays). Here’s a breakdown of two key financial terms: -Net Operating Cost:This includes all costs incurred by the government, even if the payments haven’t been made yet. In FY23, the net operating cost was $3.4 trillion -Budget Deficit:This is a narrower measure, focusing only on the cash difference between revenue and outlays. As mentioned, the FY23 budget deficit stood at $1.7 trillion Both of these financial measures reveal a government consistently spending beyond its means—a pattern that has persisted for decades. In fact, over the past 50 years, the U.S. federal budget has only seen a surplus four times, with the most recent one occurring in 2001. 4. National Debt: A Mounting Challenge So, how does the government continue operating despite being in the red? It borrows money, mainly by issuing Treasury bonds, bills, and other securities. This borrowing adds to the national debt, which has grown into a major concern for the country’s economic outlook. As of September 2024, the national debt has reached a staggering $36 trillion. To put that in perspective, it's as if every person in the US owes over $100,000! Every time the government spends more than it earns, the shortfall is added to the national debt, which, in turn, increases the interest payments that need to be made in the future. Why the Debt Keeps Growing ? Several factors contribute to the relentless increase of the national debt: -Persistent Deficits:For decades, the government has continuously spent more than it collects in revenue, leading to ongoing debt accumulation. -Wars and Economic Crises: Significant events such as wars (like those in Iraq and Afghanistan) and economic crises (including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic) often necessitate large government expenditures, further escalating the debt. -Tax Cuts and Spending Increases: Policy decisions that either reduce government revenue (through tax cuts) or increase spending (by introducing new programs or expanding existing ones) also play a role in growing the debt. The national debt presents a complicated issue without straightforward solutions. It requires balancing essential funding for programs and services while ensuring the nation’s long-term financial health. 5. The Future: America’s Finances The road ahead is filled with challenges. The national debt continues to rise, with a debt-to-GDP ratio surpassing 100%, raising concerns about the nation's long-term economic stability and ability to fulfill financial commitments. According to the Department of the Treasury, the current fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. Projections based on existing policies show a persistent gap between expected revenue and spending. Without substantial policy reforms, the national debt is likely to keep increasing. Several factors will influence the future of America’s finances: -Economic Growth: A strong economy generates higher tax revenues, making it easier to manage the debt. Conversely, slower growth could worsen the deficit and increase the debt burden. -Interest Rates:Rising interest rates would elevate the cost of servicing the national debt, redirecting funds from other vital programs. -Inflation: Excessive government debt can contribute to inflation, diminishing the purchasing power of individuals and businesses. -Political Polarization: The significant partisan divide in U.S. politics complicates consensus-building on fiscal policy and the implementation of long-term solutions to address the debt. -Demographic Shifts: An aging population increases pressure on entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, leading to higher government spending and potentially widening the deficit. To tackle the challenges of growing debt and deficits, a combination of strategies is needed: -Controlling Spending:Identifying areas for budget cuts or finding more efficient methods to deliver government services. -Increasing Revenue:Exploring avenues for raising revenue through tax reforms or other means. -Fostering Economic Growth:Implementing policies that promote sustainable long-term economic growth and boost tax revenues. -Encouraging Bipartisan Cooperation:Seeking common ground across party lines to implement lasting fiscal reforms. The future of America’s finances remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: addressing the national debt and ensuring the nation’s long-term fiscal health will require tough decisions and a commitment to responsible financial management. What Can Be Done? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of these challenges, but meaningful change often starts with informed citizens. As we head into a new election cycle, understanding how the US government manages its finances is more crucial than ever. So, what do you think should be America’s financial priorities? Should policymakers concentrate on cutting spending, raising taxes, or fostering economic growth?
TVC:DXYEducation
by moonypto
2
Gold vs. Dollar: Debunking the Correlation MythIn financial markets, it's common to look for correlations between different assets to understand their behavior and make informed trading decisions. One widely discussed relationship is between Gold (XAU/USD) and the US Dollar Index (DXY). While it's often assumed that these two assets are inversely correlated, a deeper analysis reveals that this is not always the case. This article explores the nuances of the XAU/USD and DXY relationship, demonstrating that they are not consistently correlated. Understanding XAU/USD and DXY XAU/USD represents the price of Gold in US dollars. Gold is traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset, meaning its price tends to rise in times of economic uncertainty. DXY, or the US Dollar Index, measures the value of the US dollar against a basket of six major currencies: the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swedish Krona, and Swiss Franc. The index provides a broad measure of the US dollar's strength. The Assumption of Inverse Correlation The assumption of an inverse correlation between XAU/USD and DXY is based on the idea that when the dollar strengthens, it becomes more expensive to buy Gold, leading to a decrease in Gold prices. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, gold becomes cheaper, and its price tends to rise. However, this relationship is not as straightforward as it seems. Historical Data Analysis To understand the true nature of the relationship between XAU/USD and DXY, let's examine historical data. 1. 2008 Financial Crisis: During the 2008 financial crisis, both gold and the US dollar saw periods of appreciation. Investors flocked to the safety of both assets amid widespread market turmoil. This simultaneous rise contradicts the notion of a straightforward inverse correlation. 2. 2014-2016 Period: From mid-2014 to the end of 2016, the DXY experienced significant strength, rising from around 80 to over 100. During this period, gold prices also showed resilience, hovering around $1,200 to $1,300 per ounce. The expected inverse correlation was not evident during these years. 3. COVID-19 Pandemic: In early 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a sharp rise in both gold and the US dollar. The DXY spiked as investors sought the liquidity and safety of the US dollar, while gold surged as a hedge against unprecedented economic uncertainty and aggressive monetary policy actions. 4. Gold new ATH's in 2024: Even recently, if we examine the charts, we see that since the beginning of the year, XAU/USD has risen by 4000 pips, while the DXY is 4% above its price at the start of the year. Factors Influencing the Relationship: Several factors can disrupt the expected inverse correlation between XAU/USD and DXY: - Market Sentiment: Investor sentiment plays a crucial role. During periods of extreme uncertainty, both gold and the US dollar can be sought after for their safe-haven properties. - Monetary Policy: Central bank actions, particularly those of the Federal Reserve, can impact both the US dollar and gold. For instance, lower interest rates may weaken the dollar but boost gold prices as investors seek better returns elsewhere. - Geopolitical Events: Political instability, trade tensions, and other geopolitical factors can drive simultaneous demand for both assets, decoupling their traditional relationship. - Inflation Expectations: Gold is often used as a hedge against inflation. If inflation expectations rise, gold prices might increase regardless of the dollar's strength or weakness. Conclusion: While there are periods when XAU/USD and DXY exhibit an inverse correlation, this relationship is far from consistent. Various factors, including market sentiment, monetary policy, geopolitical events, and inflation expectations, can influence their behavior. Traders and investors should not rely solely on the assumed inverse correlation but rather consider the broader context and multiple factors at play. Understanding that XAU/USD and DXY are not always correlated can lead to more nuanced trading strategies and better risk management. In the complex world of financial markets, recognizing the limitations of assumed relationships is crucial for making informed decisions. Best Regards! Mihai Iacob
FX:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
4
Forex: The Impact of (Geo)Political Factors.In the vast expanse of the currency market, where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye, understanding the multifaceted risks is crucial. Beyond the charts and technical indicators lies a force often underestimated — geopolitical risk. In this exploration, we unravel the intricacies of geopolitical risks and delve into the political factors that cast a profound shadow over the forex market. I. Decoding Geopolitics: To comprehend the significance of geopolitical risk, one must first grasp the term "geopolitical." It involves the intricate study of how geography, political systems, and international relations intersect to mold global politics. Geopolitics explores the strategic importance of geographic spaces, resource distribution, and the influence of political power on a global scale. In essence, it is the lens through which we examine the interplay between geography and political dynamics to fathom how nations behave on the world stage. II. The Unseen Forces: Geopolitical Risks in Forex Geopolitical risks are potent influencers in the currency market, steering exchange rates and market sentiment. Several factors contribute to this influence: Political Instability and Unrest: Civil unrest and regime changes breed uncertainty, impacting investor confidence and currency values. Trade Tensions: Disputes between major economies create market uncertainty, affecting trade flows and currency values. Military Conflicts: Armed conflicts or geopolitical tensions can prompt currency depreciation as investors perceive heightened risk. Terrorism: Acts of terrorism introduce fear, potentially leading to currency depreciation in affected countries. Economic Sanctions: Imposing sanctions disrupts trade and financial transactions, influencing a country's currency value. Political Leadership and Policy Changes: Shifts in political leadership or policy direction induce currency volatility by impacting investor confidence. Natural Disasters: While not strictly geopolitical, natural disasters can disrupt economies and influence currency values. Global Health Crises: Pandemics impact global trade and currencies through measures like lockdowns and travel restrictions. Brexit-Like Events: Instances where countries contemplate leaving unions create uncertainty with repercussions for currency markets. III. The Forex Symphony: How Geopolitical Risks Conduct the Orchestra Geopolitical risks impact the forex market through a complex interplay of economic and political factors. Heightened geopolitical risk injects uncertainty, prompting investors to seek safe-haven assets. Currencies such as the US dollar, Japanese yen, and Swiss franc often benefit as investors flock to stability during times of crisis. Political dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping the forex market: Government Stability and Policies: Political stability and policy implementation influence investor confidence and currency values. Economic Policies and Reforms: Political decisions on economic policies impact a country's economic outlook and currency values. Political Events and Elections: Elections inject uncertainty, affecting market sentiment as traders anticipate political changes. Trade Policies and Agreements: Political decisions on trade policies influence currency values, introducing volatility to the forex market. Central Bank Actions: Central banks' decisions, influenced by politics, impact currency values as traders monitor monetary policy shifts. Government Debt and Budget Deficits: Political decisions on fiscal policies influence a country's debt levels and fiscal health, impacting the currency. Corruption and Governance Issues: High levels of corruption erode investor confidence, influencing currency values. Social and Political Stability: Broader stability in social and political realms influences the forex market and investor perceptions. Public Perception and Confidence: Political factors shape public confidence, impacting economic activities and currency values. In the sea of the forex market, geopolitical risks and political factors are the unseen currents shaping its course. Traders and investors must master the art of navigating these turbulent waters, understanding that beyond charts and algorithms, the geopolitical landscape and political dynamics are the true captains of the ship. In this ever-evolving arena, adaptability, foresight, and a keen understanding of geopolitics are the compasses guiding traders to success in the unpredictable world of currency trading. The geopolitical events stand as formidable forces capable of reshaping exchange rates and creating market volatility. From Brexit to trade wars and geopolitical tensions, understanding the historical impact of these events on currency markets is crucial for traders seeking to navigate the tumultuous seas of forex. This article explores notable geopolitical events that have left an indelible mark on exchange rates and provides strategic insights on mitigating the associated risks. Geopolitical Events and Their Impact: Brexit (2016): The UK's decision to exit the EU led to a sharp decline in the British pound, reflecting uncertainty about the economic consequences of the separation. GBP/USD sharp drop in 2016 US-China Trade War (2018-2019): Trade tensions between the US and China influenced exchange rates, with the Chinese yuan being particularly sensitive to developments in the trade dispute. European Debt Crisis (2010-2012): The sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone led to fluctuations in the euro as concerns about the stability of the currency and the future of the EU affected exchange rates. EUR/USD fluctuations throughout 2010-2012 Russian Annexation of Crimea (2014): Geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed by Western countries led to a significant depreciation of the Russian ruble. Arab Spring (2010-2012): Political uprisings across Arab countries caused volatility in currencies like the Egyptian pound and the Tunisian dinar. North Korean Nuclear Tests (2017): Geopolitical tensions resulting from North Korea's nuclear tests impacted currencies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Japanese yen and the South Korean won. 9/11 Attacks (2001): The terrorist attacks had far-reaching consequences on global financial markets, influencing the US dollar over the longer term. Dollar Index after 9/11 US Invasion of Iraq (2003): Geopolitical events surrounding the invasion led to increased uncertainty and affected currencies in the Middle East, notably the Iraqi dinar. Mitigating Geopolitical Risks: Strategies for Forex Traders Stay Informed: Regularly follow reputable news sources to stay informed about political events, economic indicators, and policy decisions that could impact the forex market. Diversify Your Portfolio: Avoid overconcentration in a single currency or region. Diversification spreads risk and minimizes the impact of adverse geopolitical events on specific positions. Use Risk Management Tools: Implement tools such as Stop Loss and Take Profit orders to limit potential losses and secure gains. Setting appropriate risk-reward ratios enhances effective trade management. Monitor Economic Indicators: Keep an eye on economic indicators affected by geopolitical events. Understanding the economic fundamentals of traded currencies helps anticipate market reactions. Understand Correlations: Be aware of correlations between currencies and other assets, helping gauge potential spillover effects from other markets during times of geopolitical uncertainty. Utilize Safe-Haven Currencies: Allocate a portion of your portfolio to safe-haven currencies, such as the US dollar, Japanese yen, or Swiss franc, during heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your trading strategy based on changing geopolitical conditions. Flexibility is key to adjusting your approach in response to evolving circumstances. Regularly Review and Reassess: Periodically review and reassess your trading strategy in light of changing geopolitical conditions. Markets can shift, and adjusting your strategy is crucial to remain relevant. Conclusion: In the dynamic world of forex trading, geopolitical risks are inherent, and their impact on exchange rates is undeniable. Traders armed with historical insights and proactive risk management strategies can navigate these uncertainties with confidence. While eliminating all risks is impossible, staying informed, diversifying portfolios, and employing risk management tools empower traders to weather the storms and emerge resilient in the face of geopolitical challenges. Embracing these approaches not only limits potential losses but also positions traders to seize opportunities in the ever-changing forex landscape.
Education
by FOREXN1
1
Reading multi timeframe Secrethello everyone, this is my first video tutorial on this website. I hope I explained everything properly if I didn't let me know so I can make improvements... I did have some people who contacted me how to trade, they liked my analysis so I made this video for them and also for people new to trading.. Or people who are already pro this will give a nice upgrade on there skills for this tutorial I used DXY which is the most important index in trading and I think it's a good start for new traders so they can use DXY to trade major currencies.. please let me know how the video was? thank you
TVC:DXYEducation
by baigxy
22
U.S. Dollar Index (DXY)The US Dollar Index (also known as DXY or USDX) measures the value of the US dollar against a basket of foreign currencies. Therefore, it provides us with an insight into whether the dollar is strengthening or weakening compared to other major currencies. This index has a positive correlation with currency pairs where the dollar is the base currency. Conversely, there is an inverse correlation. The DXY or USDX measures the exchange rate of the US dollar against 6 currencies. The currency with the most weight in its composition is the euro. It is a key indicator in analyzing the value of the dollar to determine its trend. Additionally, it can be used to study the global macroeconomic situation, as well as to gauge the level of economic and financial uncertainty at a particular moment. (🇬🇧)
TVC:DXYEducation
by FinanzasTip
1
What you need to know about being Bullish!As a long time trader and professional investor, it's been awesome seeing the evolution of Bitcoin. It's a place for influencers to say stupid things like Bitcoin to 100k or 250k without any real merit or logic behind such a price point. Often the analysis consists of a handful of useless lines drawn from nowhere to somewhere of interest on the chart. To understand what Bitcoin and the larger crypto market is doing, doesn't take a lot. Especially as it becomes more and more institutional. I've talked about this for a long time here on @TradingView and showed each step of the way. These moves are not as random as they appear. There's a great book by Richard Ney, actually he has a couple talking about market makers and the effect on the markets. However, one little snippet he talks about how the market or a stock/instrument such as Bitcoin can be seen as a warehouse, think of the scale and number of shelves. Now think of the length of time to fully stack that warehouse. This isn't a quick factor... Now break that idea down further & apply it to BTC. If the market makers are the owners of the warehouse, who do they sell to? Well retail of course. The issue is retail simply do not buy in bulk. Once retail get the urge to buy, the warehouse stock gets depleted 'over time'. In addition the market makers need to stock back up. So for them, they need to buy cheap and sell higher. Trading 101 Over the last couple of years, I have shared a chart showing COT data, this is a US based sample size of in essence what the market makers are doing. The data is slow and clumpy, it's lagging much like all the other indicators - maybe even more so. However, that does not matter as all you are looking for is a general bias. You only need to look at Larry Williams who won the Robbins World Cup Championship of Futures Trading, COT data is a key part of his strategy. I've written several posts here covering the topic in more depth, but here's the current snapshot. Asset Managers: This image clearly shows a long, long term bias. Next you have the Leveraged Funds: This image is almost the inverse, we have a negative delta shown. Now in the past I have had people say to me "ah look, institutions getting REKT. Price going up and their short" What you need to understand is how this works. Let me ask you this "Who is selling to you in the rally" Well the guys who bought it cheaper. So here's the lesson: The factors for Bitcoin currently are pretty simple; you have a long term Bullish bias as seen by the Asset Managers . You have a shorter term Bearish bias of the Leveraged Funds Therefore we can look at some other factors. Let's start with a zoomed out view of the market - let's go to a Monthly timeframe. What do you see? Well, I see an overbought stochastic, I also see price moved up as volume fell down (more visible lower TF's). To translate this, the accumulation for the bigger picture is not quite over. Influencers think we are resting on 30k to rally to 250k next week. Unfortunately for their Demo accounts, the market doesn't think like that. Nor do the market makers! Next you can also dig a little deeper into things like Dark Pools again I have covered this in another educational post. As this is an educational post, let's put all of the pieces together. 1> COT data shows Leveraged Funds still have positions to sell 2> Asset Managers have a Bullish Bias 3> Monthly stochastic overbought 4> Volume doesn't match the move up 5> Dark pools... How much is being soaked up under the radar? In the TradingView show back in May, I covered Wyckoff and Elliott and a little about composite man (market makers). www.tradingview.com When using such tools and techniques, the price becomes obvious. Why up or down and at what key levels. Moves like this are pre programmed into the liquidity algorithm. Things you can spot from miles away. So let's finish on putting it all together - The conclusion would be, we are early on in an accumulation phase, we need to stockpile the warehouse to have momentum to newer highs. IF we go directly here we are capped - think of it like fuel in the tank. I have talked about this on several of my streams here. Coupled with the current view of the overall economy. This doesn't have to be difficult. I hope this helps some of you out. Disclaimer This idea does not constitute as financial advice. It is for educational purposes only, our principle trader has over 20 years’ experience in stocks, ETF’s, and Forex. Hence each trade setup might have different hold times, entry or exit conditions, and will vary from the post/idea shared here. You can use the information from this post to make your own trading plan for the instrument discussed. Trading carries a risk; a high percentage of retail traders lose money. Please keep this in mind when entering any trade. Stay safe.
COINBASE:BTCUSDEducation
by Mayfair_Ventures
10
The Gold Standard and the Global Monetary SystemI. Introduction The history of international monetary systems has been a story of constant evolution. Of the many systems that have been used over the centuries, the Gold Standard stands out for its longevity and its critical role in shaping the world's economic landscape. This essay will first discuss the Gold Standard, then delve into President Richard Nixon's monumental decision to sever the tie between the U.S. dollar and gold, known as the 'Nixon Shock.' This discussion will segue into the subsequent transformation of the global monetary system, culminating in an analysis of our present-day monetary era. II. The Gold Standard Era The Gold Standard, which flourished between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, was a monetary system where the value of a country's currency was directly linked to gold. Each country promised to convert its currency into a fixed amount of gold upon demand. This system provided a stability that fostered international trade and investment, as it offered predictability of exchange rates and a constraint on inflation. However, it also meant that national monetary policies were subordinated to the need to maintain gold parity, thereby constraining a government's ability to respond to domestic economic conditions. III. Nixon's Depreciation and the End of the Gold Standard In 1971, amidst growing economic pressures, President Richard Nixon declared that the United States would no longer exchange gold for U.S. dollars held in foreign reserves, effectively ending the Gold Standard. This move was initially designed as a temporary measure to protect U.S. gold reserves, which were dwindling due to persistent trade deficits. However, the 'Nixon Shock' proved to be a permanent shift in international monetary policy. Nixon's move unshackled the U.S. dollar (and other global currencies) from the constraints of gold, allowing for more flexible monetary policies. This change allowed governments to respond more efficiently to economic downturns by manipulating the money supply. Yet, it also introduced a new era of exchange rate volatility and inflation risk, challenges that economies continue to grapple with today. IV. The Transformation of the Global Monetary System The end of the Gold Standard marked the transition to the era of fiat money—currency that is backed by the full faith and trust in the government that issues it, rather than a physical commodity like gold. Fiat money systems have provided governments with greater flexibility to manage economic conditions through monetary policy, as they can adjust the money supply to influence interest rates, manage inflation, stimulate growth, or address economic crises. However, the reliance on faith and trust in the government has also led to episodes of hyperinflation and economic crises in countries where that faith was misplaced or abused. V. The Present-day Monetary Era In the current monetary era, central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S., use open market operations and other monetary policy tools to control the money supply and influence economic conditions. Decoupling from gold has also facilitated the rise of digital currencies and novel monetary ideas like cryptocurrency, reshaping our understanding of money and value. However, this freedom has its downsides; the absence of a physical constraint like gold can lead to fears about runaway inflation, especially in times of significant increases in the money supply, such as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. VI. Conclusion The Gold Standard, Nixon's Shock, and the transformation of the global monetary system offer key insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different monetary systems. While the Gold Standard provided a stability that fostered international trade, it limited the ability of governments to respond to domestic economic conditions. The Nixon Shock and the transition to a fiat money system have provided greater flexibility, but also introduced new challenges in terms of inflation risk and exchange rate volatility. As we navigate our present-day monetary era, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past while staying open to new innovations and ideas in our ongoing quest to develop a monetary system that best serves the needs of society.
FX_IDC:XAUUSDEducation
by financialflagship
Learn to identify liquidity levels. Before we begin, we need to understand what liquidity is. A market with high liquidity is one where there is a large number of buyers and sellers willing to trade in that particular asset. This means that there is a high availability of buy and sell orders, allowing transactions to be executed quickly and with minimal impact on prices. Where are the most liquid points located on a chart? These points are found at the highs and lows. This is because at these points, many people are waiting for the zone to act as support or resistance, or for the price to break the zone (breakout) to continue its direction. I always use daily, weekly, and monthly timeframes to identify these zones. Why the liquid points are importante on a chart? Liquidity is extremely important because it is the direction in which the price moves. The price will always move towards these points to attract liquidity to the market. Without liquidity, financial markets cannot function. Which indicator can you use to identify liquidity levels? Previous Days Week Highs & Lows by sbtnc Certainly, this indicator will facilitate the process of identifying these points, but it will not identify all of them. -----Remember, like everything in trading, this needs to be combined with other confluences. It won't work by itself.----- Explanation of the example presented in the chart. I had some strong confluences indicating that the price was likely to have a bullish move. As seen in the COT report, there was aggressive selling of JPY. One of the things that helped me take this trade with confidence is that, as you can see in the circle, there was a weekly and monthly high together without being cleared. This created a double top pattern. Since this was such a liquid point, it gave me the confidence that the price would move towards this point before changing direction. And it did exactly that after consolidating for several days. These liquidity points can be used as confluence in our analysis, as well as a potential take profit level.
Education
by Wiiso
3
Unveiling the Impact of #FOMC Decisions on #WTI, #Gold, #USD Today was #FOMC! I'm Sure most of us had same experience on BLACKBULL:WTI and $OANDA:XAUUSD. I Just wanted to write about What is #FOMC and It's impact on #WTI, #Gold and #USD, Maybe somebody has lots of questions about that, so I try to do my best regarding captioned subject. The Federal Open Market Committee (#FOMC) plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policy in the United States. The decisions made by this committee have significant implications for various financial markets, including commodities like West Texas Intermediate (#WTI) crude oil, #gold, and the U.S. dollar (#USD). Understanding the impact of FOMC decisions on these assets is essential for traders, investors, and market participants. The FOMC's Role and Decision-Making Process: The FOMC is composed of members from the Federal Reserve System who are responsible for setting monetary policy. These members regularly convene to assess economic conditions, review data, and deliberate on the best course of action. One of the most critical outcomes of these meetings is the announcement of the federal funds rate, which influences borrowing costs and has a broad impact on the financial landscape. BLACKBULL:WTI : FOMC decisions have a notable impact on WTI crude oil prices. Changes in interest rates directly affect borrowing costs for businesses, which, in turn, influence their operations and investment decisions. When interest rates decrease, economic growth is often stimulated, leading to increased demand for oil and potentially driving up prices. Conversely, an increase in interest rates may have the opposite effect, dampening economic activity and reducing oil demand. Additionally, FOMC decisions indirectly impact WTI crude oil prices through their effects on the U.S. dollar. Since oil is globally priced in dollars, fluctuations in the dollar's value can influence the purchasing power of oil-importing countries. A weaker dollar can make oil relatively cheaper, increasing demand and potentially bolstering #WTI prices. OANDA:XAUUSD : The relationship between FOMC decisions and gold prices is complex and multi-faceted. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset and a store of value during times of economic uncertainty. When the FOMC adopts a dovish or accommodative monetary policy stance, such as lowering interest rates or implementing quantitative easing measures, it diminishes the attractiveness of holding U.S. dollars. Consequently, investors may seek refuge in #gold, leading to an increase in gold prices. Conversely, a hawkish stance by the FOMC, signaled by raising interest rates or indicating tighter monetary policy, can strengthen the U.S. dollar and exert downward pressure on #gold prices. As interest rates rise, the opportunity cost of holding gold, which does not yield interest or dividends, increases. This can make alternative investments more appealing, potentially reducing demand for gold. PEPPERSTONE:USDX : FOMC decisions have a direct and significant impact on the value of the #USD. Changes in interest rates influence the relative attractiveness of U.S. dollar-denominated assets, which in turn affects currency exchange rates. A rise in interest rates can make the #USD more appealing to investors seeking higher yields, potentially strengthening the currency. Conversely, a reduction in interest rates may lead to a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar. Moreover, FOMC decisions and accompanying statements provide insights into the central bank's economic outlook. Favorable economic projections and indications of a tightening monetary policy can bolster confidence in the #USD. Conversely, cautious or pessimistic remarks may weaken the currency. Final Words: FOMC decisions have a substantial impact on #WTI crude oil, #gold, and the value of the #USD. Changes in interest rates directly influence borrowing costs, economic growth, and investment decisions, thereby impacting #WTI crude oil prices. Additionally, the effects of FOMC decisions on the U.S. dollar indirectly influence #WTI crude oil This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering valuable insights that will enhance your understanding of the FOMC and its impact on financial markets AND May your journey through the intricacies of the FOMC empower you with a solid strategy and guide you towards successful trades, or encourage you to exercise caution and refrain from trading during these significant events. Wishing you the best of luck in your endeavors!
BLACKBULL:WTIEducation
by POUSHEINI
The Debt Ceiling AgreementThe debt ceiling is a limit set by the U.S. Congress on the amount of debt that the federal government can have outstanding. This debt is primarily made up of two components: debt held by the public (like U.S. Treasury bonds held by investors) and intragovernmental holdings (like those in the Social Security Trust Fund). From a financial perspective, the debt ceiling is significant for several reasons: 1. Creditworthiness of the United States: The U.S. government is seen worldwide as an issuer of risk-free assets, primarily because it has never defaulted on its debt. If the debt ceiling is not raised in time, it could potentially lead to a default, shaking the world's confidence in U.S. government securities. This could increase the interest rates that the U.S. has to pay to borrow money in the future. 2. Global Financial Markets Stability: U.S. Treasury securities are used as a benchmark for many other types of credit and are widely held by financial institutions around the world. A default could cause significant upheaval in these markets and potentially lead to a financial crisis. 3. Economic Recession : A default could lead to severe economic consequences. It could cause a sharp decrease in government spending (since the government couldn't borrow to finance its operations), which could in turn lead to job losses and potentially a recession. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of this risk in the case of the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations. 4. Budgeting and Planning: The debt ceiling also has implications for how the government budgets and plans its finances. When the debt ceiling is reached, the Treasury Department has to use "extraordinary measures" to keep the government funded, which can create uncertainty and inefficiency. 5. Political Tool: While not strictly a financial point, it's worth noting that the debt ceiling has often been used as a political tool. Lawmakers may refuse to increase the debt ceiling without certain concessions, such as spending cuts or policy changes. This can lead to financial uncertainty, as was the case during the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations. The negotiations that led to the agreement were marked by considerable compromise. President Biden, for instance, noted that the agreement represented a compromise where not everyone got what they wanted but was nonetheless an important step forward1. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite opposition within his own party, committed to passing the bill within 72 hours of its introduction on the House floor. This commitment was a testament to the urgency felt by lawmakers due to the looming threat of a potential default on the U.S. debt obligations. The agreement was a product of compromise and necessity, driven by the urgent need to avoid a default on U.S. debt obligations. It included a two-year budget deal holding spending flat for 2024 and imposing limits for 2025, effectively reducing spending as Republicans had insisted. This was in exchange for raising the debt limit for two years, until after the next election. The deal would boost spending on the military and veterans' care and cap spending for many discretionary domestic programs. However, the specifics of these spending caps remained subject to further debate between Republicans and Democrats. Conclusion The 2023 U.S. debt ceiling negotiations showcase the intricate dynamics of American politics and its intersection with economic policy. They underscore the importance of compromise in a divided government and the challenges that ideological divergences within parties can pose to such compromise. These negotiations and their outcome also highlight the potential economic implications, such as the risk of default, that can arise when political disagreements hinder prompt fiscal decisions.
FRED:GFDEGDQ188SEducation
by financialflagship
6
Will The U.S Dollar Collapse ?OANDA:XAUUSD Currencies fall for various reasons and they include: 1. Political or economic disorder 2. Hyperinflation 3. War 4. A labor market decline 5. Recession, among various other reasons. 1.The United States has weathered several political and economic disorders since its formation in 1776. The country was on the brink of collapse during the Great Depression in 1929 but successfully weathered the storm in 1939. Not only did it withstand the Great Depression, but it also fought World War II with valor the same year. The will to overcome all odds is in the blood of Americans come hell or high water. Therefore, the US has more chances to overcome political or economic disorder due to this very spirit. 2 Hyperinflation Inflation in the US is high but has not reached hyperinflation yet. The Federal Reserve managed to bring down rates from 8% to 6.5% and are rowing the boat, despite muddy waters. Hyperinflation taking over the country with daily essentials becoming 50 times more expensive might never be a reality. 3. War The US is technically not at war but funds wars overseas, be it Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen, among other countries. A rogue nation attacking the US since 9/11 is nil, and the country is not at war today. The US is more equipped to handle and thwart terrorist attacks today than it was ever before. 4. Labor Market Decline The job markets remain robust despite several leading tech firms firing thousands of employees since 2020. Businesses are thriving, and jobs for small and big-level employees remain open for hire. Though the job markets remain on shaky grounds, it managed to sustain and grow, even in muddy conditions. 5. Recession While talks of a recession are growing louder, a recession has technically not hit the markets yet. Both the stock and cryptocurrency markets are doing favorably well in 2023 and generating decent returns for investors. However, a recession cannot be ruled out, as there’s pressure on the financial markets. Considering all the above points, the US stands in a favorable position with the only recession being its weak point. Moreover, since a recession is yet to arrive (or might not arrive), the weak point can be removed for now. In conclusion, the other sore spots can be worked upon and brought under control in the coming years. So Will The US Dollar Collapse? BRICS is yet to finalize a new currency in the upcoming summit in South Africa. The problem with BRICS nations is that decisions are not made swiftly and quickly due to various factors. Asian countries working with each other is not as easy as said. The factors involve India’s broken relations with China and vice-versa. India and China have always been on the wrong ends, and the bitter political disputes could only make things worse. Technically, the US dollar is backed as the default global reserve currency with billions worth of trades being executed each day. The US dollar has a special status globally and is considered one of the safest currencies. The United States is still the biggest economy in the world with an annual GDP of around $23 trillion. Even if the US falters, it always has and will find a way to remain at the top and be an undisputed global leader. The Great Depression is one big example of how nothing is impossible for Americans to succeed in troubled times.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by INVESTRONE
The Ten Fundamental Objectives of the Federal ReserveIntroduction The Federal Reserve System, often referred to as "the Fed," was established in 1913 in response to a series of banking panics. As the central banking institution of the United States, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and integrity of the nation's monetary and financial systems. This essay explores the ten fundamental objectives of the Federal Reserve, which include maintaining price stability, promoting full employment, and ensuring a stable financial system, among others. 1. Price Stability The primary objective of the Federal Reserve is to maintain price stability, which refers to a low and stable rate of inflation. By managing inflation, the Fed helps to preserve the purchasing power of money, ensuring that consumers and businesses can make informed decisions regarding spending, saving, and investment. 2. Maximum Sustainable Employment Another key objective of the Federal Reserve is to promote maximum sustainable employment, also known as full employment. This means providing enough job opportunities for all individuals who are willing and able to work, while minimizing the rate of unemployment. By promoting full employment, the Fed contributes to overall economic growth and well-being. 3. Moderate Long-Term Interest Rates The Federal Reserve aims to maintain moderate long-term interest rates, which are essential for economic growth and stability. By controlling short-term interest rates, the Fed can indirectly influence long-term rates, thereby encouraging borrowing, investment, and consumption. 4. Financial System Stability One of the most critical objectives of the Federal Reserve is ensuring the stability of the financial system, which involves monitoring and regulating financial institutions, as well as identifying and addressing potential risks. By maintaining a stable financial system, the Fed helps to prevent crises and protect the economy from shocks. 5. Efficient Payment and Settlement System The Federal Reserve is responsible for managing the nation's payment and settlement systems, which include check clearing, electronic funds transfers, and automated clearinghouse operations. By providing these services efficiently and securely, the Fed ensures that financial transactions occur smoothly, promoting confidence in the banking system. 6. Consumer Protection Another important objective of the Federal Reserve is to protect consumers by enforcing federal consumer protection laws and regulations. This includes monitoring financial institutions for compliance, addressing consumer complaints, and providing education and resources to help consumers make informed financial decisions. 7. Supervision and Regulation The Federal Reserve plays a vital role in supervising and regulating financial institutions to ensure their safety, soundness, and compliance with laws and regulations. This oversight helps to maintain a stable and resilient financial system, while also protecting consumers and investors. 8. Community Development The Federal Reserve is committed to promoting community development by supporting initiatives that address issues such as affordable housing, small business development, and workforce development. This objective aims to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life in communities across the country. 9. Economic Research and Analysis The Federal Reserve conducts extensive research and analysis to better understand the U.S. economy, as well as the global economy. This research informs the Fed's monetary policy decisions and helps it to fulfill its other objectives, such as promoting maximum employment and maintaining stable prices. 10. International Financial Cooperation Finally, the Federal Reserve cooperates with other central banks and international financial institutions to promote global economic stability and financial system resilience. This collaboration allows the Fed to share information, resources, and expertise, ultimately benefiting the U.S. economy. Conclusion The Federal Reserve plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy by pursuing ten fundamental objectives, which range from maintaining price stability to promoting international financial cooperation. By fulfilling these objectives, the Fed ensures the stability and growth of the U.S. economy, while also fostering a resilient and efficient global financial system. Trade with care. If you like our content, please feel free to support our page with a like, comment & subscribe for future educational ideas and trading setups.
FRED:FEDFUNDSEducation
by financialflagship
11
The logic and laws of the marketBefore entering the market, we knew about the Pareto principle in the trading field. But after studying it for a while, you may enter the market with confidence, thinking that trading is not that difficult and that you are superior and can beat the so-called "housewives." This is the human tendency to overestimate oneself and be overconfident. After entering the market and making a few trades recklessly, you will soon find yourself with bruises and swelling. Your confidence will be shattered, and you will begin to realize that even though you are a genius, you still need to learn. So, the two major factions in the speculative field, fundamental and technical, are waiting for you. During this period, which faction you join is entirely determined by your "destiny." If everyone around you is focused on fundamentals, you will join the fundamental camp; if everyone around you is focused on short-term, technical analysis, you will join the technical camp. This is almost the inevitable path for every investor and trader. In these two factions, the vast majority of investors are eager to elevate their skills to the highest level in this field. If you choose fundamental analysis, you should become a person who has a mastery of fundamental analysis. If you study technical analysis, you should push various technical indicators, trading volume, open interest, and other factors to the extreme. We may experience losses, but the reason for our losses is that our research and development capabilities are not strong enough to prevent them. We will continue to work hard until we have the ability to grasp the overall trend at the highest level and achieve stable profits in the end. This is what most investors pursue. However, most investors fail in this process because they are surrounded by too much noise that distracts them. After joining the fundamental or technical camp, they often lose control. They often find that their precise control of the future seems a bit self-deceptive, but they only doubt it because everyone around them is doing the same thing. They occasionally shout in anger because of continuous losses, which is impossible. As a result, they will find a group of people who have made huge profits by accurately predicting the market. They will also feel helpless due to heavy losses. They want to cut their losses, but they find that losses are incurred by stop-losses. Only those who hold on to their losses and make more bets can make big money. Every time they try to break free, they are dragged back by endless reality. They feel like they cannot predict the market, but countless people are making accurate predictions and making money. They feel that they should cut losses, but reality often does not give them positive feedback. They feel that they should manage their funds, but they find that those who make big money are all making big bets. They think that fundamental analysis is useless, but a bunch of people will tell them, "I make a profit with fundamental analysis!" They believe that technical analysis cannot predict the future, but someone who has made a hundredfold return will tell them that it was all due to the exclusive MACD strategy. And just when you've struggled and managed to understand a little bit of the logic, you meet a friend who has a funding curve that never retraces and has multiplied his wealth by 8 times in just 2 months, generously sharing his experience with you... Just as you're about to start thinking about how to build a trading system, your wife's friend's boyfriend is hailed as having an unbeatable market sense. It is said that when he places an order, the mountains shake and the heavens weep... True or false, an endless stream of information bombards you. You look at various platform analysis reports every day, listen to the legends of celebrities making huge profits, watch videos on how to analyze and predict, read books, and everyone around you is giving you their "secrets"... Your mind is filled with countless pieces of knowledge and information. And you, in this ocean of information, piece together your own trading cognition. This cognition contains too much content, and you believe it to be correct, but in reality, you cannot imagine how far it is from the truth. This is the fundamental difficulty of trading: insight into the truth of trading. The reason why it is difficult to gain insight into the truth of trading is not only because the truth itself is very secretive, but also because you have to complete this task under endless distractions. Why is this so? Because trading is a field where the ratio is 28:1 or even 19:1, the vast majority of people, including traders, analysts, professionals, media personnel, and XX personnel, fundamentally misunderstand it. However, they do not know that they are wrong. Most people are likely to sincerely and wholeheartedly share their knowledge, but the key is that their understanding of what is correct is itself wrong. Therefore, the market is filled with endless noise and fallacies. These things are mixed together with the truth, forming an endlessly complex information flow. Here, the halo effect, survivorship bias, and unfalsifiability illusions form a maze, making it difficult for people to find a way out. For a trader who wants to become a master trader, their only mission is to extract the truth from this endlessly complex information flow through their own experiences and independent thinking. They need to simplify the complex and unravel the threads in the endless flow of information, identify and discard everything that is incorrect, and form their own trading philosophy. Then, resist endless temptations and execute with consistency. That is why it is said that the core of speculative trading has long been established, and what we need to do is not to innovate, but to understand and execute. This is the difficulty of trading. Therefore, what the trading test is actually testing is a person's trading cognition and understanding of the market. If the cognition is wrong, it is impossible to escape the maze. The trader's entire trading career will be a continuous interweaving of hope and powerlessness, ultimately leading to their downfall. Only when the trading cognition is correct can they truly understand and execute, and eventually reach the end. As the recent popular saying goes, it also applies to the trading field: you can never earn money beyond your trading knowledge range, unless you rely on luck. But the money earned through luck often ends up being lost due to lack of skill, which is inevitable. Every penny you earn is a manifestation of your trading knowledge, and every penny you lose is due to a deficiency in your understanding of trading. The biggest fairness in the speculative world lies in the fact that when a trader's controlled funds exceed their trading knowledge, there are 10,000 ways for the uncertain market trend to harvest them until their knowledge and fund curve match. In the long river of time, real trading knowledge is the only answer.
Education
by Navigation-h
17
NFP: are you readyWhat is the impact of non-farm data on the gold market? Non-farm data actually consists of two sets of data, the major non-farm data and the minor non-farm data. As these two sets of data reflect the development of the US economy, they not only affect the US dollar index but also often impact the ups and downs of the gold market. Good non-farm data indicates a strong economy and is bearish for gold, while poor non-farm data is bullish for the gold market. The major non-farm data is composed of three indicators published by the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics: non-farm employment, the employment rate, and the unemployment rate. Compared to minor non-farm data, the major non-farm data more directly reflects the current economic situation in the United States. Non-farm data is usually released on the first Friday evening of each month, two days later than minor non-farm data. Investors typically wait for the release of the data and make judgments about the specific trend of gold prices to earn profits. The impact of non-farm data on the gold market is mainly concentrated on these two points in time. The non-farm employment, employment rate, and unemployment rate can directly reflect the development and growth of the manufacturing and service industries in the United States. The better the economic development, the more likely it is to lead to a decline in gold prices, while poor economic development can lead to a certain degree of increase in gold prices. Overall, non-farm data is just one set of data, so in practical operation, major and minor non-farm data can influence the trend of the gold market, but cannot truly determine the trend of the gold market. Are you ready for the upcoming non-farm data release tomorrow? Join the discussion channel to discuss together! Catching the opportunity is key.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Navigation-h
3
What's affecting JPY price?The price of the Japanese Yen (JPY) can be influenced by a variety of factors, including: 1. Macroeconomic factors: The value of the JPY can be affected by macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, and unemployment. For example, if Japan's GDP grows at a faster rate than expected, this can cause the value of the JPY to increase. 2. Global market sentiment: The JPY is often seen as a safe-haven currency, meaning that investors tend to buy it during times of global economic or political uncertainty. When investors feel nervous about the global economy or the stability of other currencies, they may flock to the JPY, causing its value to rise. 3. Geopolitical events: The JPY can be affected by geopolitical events such as elections, wars, and diplomatic tensions. For example, if tensions between Japan and another country escalate, this could cause investors to sell off the JPY, leading to a decrease in its value. 4. Monetary policy: The Bank of Japan has the ability to influence the value of the JPY through its monetary policy decisions. For example, if the bank lowers interest rates, this can make the JPY less attractive to investors, causing its value to decrease. 5. Trade relationships: Japan's trade relationships with other countries can also affect the value of the JPY. If Japan's exports increase, this can cause an increase in demand for the JPY, leading to an increase in its value. Overall, the value of the JPY can be affected by a wide range of factors, and it is important to carefully monitor global economic and political developments to gain insight into its potential movements.
Education
by JackPepperstone
1
The correlation between US Interest Rates and The US Dollar (DXYInterest rates and USD strength are positively correlated. An increase in US interest rates will typically result in a strengthening of the USD. The reason is... Foreign investors tend to flock to US assets, such as bonds and fixed bank rates for higher returns. Higher demand for US assets drives up their price, and as a result, the USD strengthens. As for the relationship between USD strength and US stock market prices, it is more complex and can have both positive and negative effects. On one hand, a strong USD can make US exports less competitive, reducing demand and potentially leading to a decrease in corporate profits. This can weigh on stock prices. On the other hand, a strong USD can attract foreign investment into US stocks, driving up demand and prices. There are other reasons for the correlation such as: Interest rate differentials When interest rates in one country are higher than in another, capital tends to flow to the country with the higher interest rates. This results in an increase in demand for the currency of the country with higher interest rates, strengthening its currency i.e US Dollar. Inflation expectations Interest rates are also closely linked to inflation expectations. When interest rates rise, it is generally expected that inflation will rise too, which makes the currency more attractive to investors. Trade flows The USD is the currency used in most international trade transactions, and as a result, changes in trade flows can have a significant impact on the value of the USD.
ECONOMICS:USINTREducation
by Timonrosso
6