The Dollar Is at Multi-Decade Highs. What Does That Mean—And What’s Next?
Main points
- Analysts at BofA Securities said the dollar is expected to climb to a 55-year high by the end of the year, based on an inflation-adjusted measure.
- The dollar soared in the final months of the year as Wall Street lowered expectations for rate cuts.
- The dollar’s strength also reflects expectations that President-elect Donald Trump’s policies will boost economic growth in the short term, although analysts note that Wall Street may be underestimating their slowing effect on economic growth.
The U.S. dollar has surged to its highest level in decades in recent months and is expected to remain so strong Entering this year.
Dollar value surges in final three months of year as Wall Street weighs on lowered expectations The rate cut follows a series of strong economic reports. Bank of America (BofA) Securities analysts estimate the U.S. dollar’s inflation-adjusted rate, or real effective exchange rateclimbing to a 55-year high by the end of 2024.
Here’s what some analysts are expecting for the U.S. dollar in 2025, and what it could mean for your money.
What’s the outlook for the U.S. dollar in 2025?
Analysts expect the dollar to remain strong strength In the first half of 2025, the U.S. economy continued to exceed expectations of other countries and many economists.
“Barring any unforeseen sudden turn in U.S. data, it is difficult to see a catalyst for a significant move lower in the dollar in the near term,” Bank of America analysts wrote in their 2025 USD forecast. However, analysts expect dollar valuations to normalize in the second half of the year and “the details of U.S. policy will determine the exact path and timing.”
Some investors expect the policies of President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress to Promote near-term economic growthfurther reducing the need for interest rate cuts. Higher interest rates typically make the dollar stronger.
Trump’s Tariff proposaltax policies, deregulatory plans and the promise of mass deportations all have the potential to spur inflation, either spurring economic growth or raising costs for businesses, which may require interest rate cuts.
Bank of America analysts said Wall Street tends to focus on the growth-promoting potential of the above policies. But they also have the potential to be a drag on economic growth, suggesting a significant impact Downside risks arrive USD current level.
What does a strong dollar mean to you?
A strong dollar is welcome news to anyone who wants change their dollars, whether they are tourists, business travelers or immigrants sending money to family abroad. But it will also cause pain for some businesses and investors.
Strong dollar lowers U.S. incomes multinational— many of the country’s largest companies — have their international sales lose value once converted into U.S. dollars. Stocks in these companies tend to suffer without an offsetting source of growth or optimism.
abnormal exchange rate It could also wreak havoc on the stock market in unexpected ways, as happened last summer Japanese monetary policy changed the outlook for the yen and triggered a flurry of trades U.S. stocks plunge.