The US dollar hit parity with the euro in July 2022, with both currencies having a 1:1 exchange rate for the first time in two decades. The last time this happened was in 2002, and the two-decade high against the euro and other major currencies boosted the dollar’s popularity amongst investors.
However, the growth was short-lived as the USD kept slipping lower in value since then and is now languishing in the first quarter of 2023. Several factors have contributed to this depreciation, but the focus here is its effects on investors.
Low Returns Dollar-denominated Assets
The latest US Treasury yields did not help the dollar dip. Instead, the DXY (US Dollar Index) keeps oscillating around 103, as it has since the beginning of 2023. The live chart, developed by the US Federal Reserve, showed that the currency fell more in the last month.
As a result, US Dollar-denominated assets are beginning to lose their value which may force foreign investors to release their holdings in order to save money. Many investors may become more risk-averse, and the market uncertainty may cause them to sell their dollar assets to seek higher returns elsewhere.
In return, demand for certain types of assets like stocks and bonds in USD may affect the market. The impact of the dip may depend on the current economic and political conditions, among other factors, but it can potentially lead to low market demand and returns for investors.
Increased Profits and Competitiveness
Foreign investors holding dollar-based assets may lose money as the dollar dips. Still, US-based companies that rely on exports and investors trading other currencies may have increased profits and competitiveness.
A low dollar value will equip foreign investors’ native currencies and enable them to buy US assets, goods, or services at cheaper rates. Therefore, if a US-based company exports products to foreign customers, consumers can purchase the products with less money, which may result in higher demand and increased profits for the company.
Investors trading in other currencies may benefit from the dip too. For instance, holders of dollar-denominated assets would love to sell their assets fast, which may be an opportunity for other currency investors to buy at cheaper rates and sell later when the dollar increases.
Higher Inflation
The US dollar dip can result in increased inflation due to several factors. For instance, imported goods will become more expensive since buying products denominated in other currencies will cost more dollars. As a result, consumers may pay more for the same products and services.
Similarly, US-based companies will import raw materials at higher costs, which may lead to higher production costs and imply increased costs of products and services for consumers.
Inflation becomes inevitable if the general increase of goods and services continues over time; it can affect investors by reducing their purchasing power, increasing interest rates and bond yields, and impacting stock prices.
A dollar dip can affect investors significantly, but the effects may not be the same for every investor. It can be a win or loss depending on certain factors, like the investors’ goals.