A Snapshot Of The U.S. Dollar
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View from the Observation Deck  
  1. We get asked from time to time what our take is on the U.S. dollar and where we think it may be headed next. 
  2. The dollar is still regarded as the world's primary reserve currency. Its relative strength over time can be influenced by such things as central bank monetary policy, geopolitics and trade. 
  3. U.S. investors with exposure to foreign securities, commodities and the stocks of U.S. multinational companies are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar. 
  4. Predicting the direction of the dollar, or any currency, can be a daunting task, even for professionals who specialize in it. One thing we can provide is some context. 
  5. As indicated in the chart above, as of 5/31/22, the 10-, 20- and 30-year averages for the U.S. Dollar Index registered readings of 92.15, 88.51 and 91.43, which is a relatively tight range over a span of 30 years. The average of the three averages is 90.70. 
  6. To add some additional context, over the past 30 years, the index peaked at a reading of 120.90 on 7/5/01, while hitting a period-low of 71.33 on 4/22/08, according to Bloomberg.
  7. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has closed trading above the 100 mark for 35 consecutive days (thru 6/1/22), according to Bloomberg. The dollar has been boosted recently by the Federal Reserve's rate hikes and guidance (50 basis points expected at its meetings in June and July plus the launch of its quantitative tightening program to sell assets to shrink its balance sheet), foreign investors using the dollar as a safe haven destination (war between Russia and Ukraine) as well as concerns over how the COVID-19 outbreak in China could impact the global economy, according to Reuters.  
This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) indicates the general international value of the dollar relative to a basket of major world currencies.

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Posted on Thursday, June 2, 2022 @ 10:39 AM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.