Over decades, if not centuries, the U.S. dollar has been the world's leading currency. The central banks worldwide hold an enormous part of their investments in the U.S. currency, while some private companies use it for international transactions.
With this, the trade-in U.S. treasury has boosted the American economy and greased the wheels of the global financial system.
However, many experts predicted a tipping point would come that would cause the dollar to collapse, thus leading to a global economic problem.
In this scenario, many investors would rush to other currencies to run off further losses. This would mean a breakdown of the national economy. The aftermath of this scenario could likely lead to a dollar collapse.
What is Dollar Collapse?
Full of sudden currency collapses have happened in history. A long-term depression in economic activity increased poverty, and a disruption of the social order characterized a dollar collapse.
One of the primary roots of any failure is the need for more confidence in the stability or efficacy of money to serve as an effective store of value or medium of exchange.
The main sign of a dollar collapse is when the value of the U.S. dollar drops.
Some conceivable scenarios could cause a crisis for the dollar. When there is an excellent threat of high inflation and high debt, rising consumer prices force the government to raise interest rates.
Suppose the U.S. entered a steep recession without dragging the rest of the world with it. In that case, anyone who holds dollar-denominated assets might sell them at any cost, including foreign governments, and if no one wants to buy them, they would leave the dollar.
Thus, everyone should prepare for the worst time, but you can qualify for a dollar collapse through these economic indicators.
Evolution of U.S. Dollar Dominance
The significant events that shaped the U.S. dollar's development over the years can be linked to its prominence as a major global reserve currency. The U.S. dollar gained popularity during the post-World War II era as a result of numerous crucial moments:
│Bretton Woods System (1944): At the Bretton Woods conference, the U.S. was key in establishing the post-war monetary system. As other countries tied their currencies to the U.S. dollar, backed by gold, this arrangement anchored the global economy and promoted stability.
│Convertibility to Gold (1945-1971): The Bretton Woods agreement enabled the dollar to convert into gold, boosting trust in the dollar's function as a reserve currency. However, President Nixon suspended this convertibility in 1971 due to the rising economic problems facing the United States and the introduction of volatile and flexible exchange rates.
│Nixon Shock (1971): The "Nixon Shock" ended the Bretton Woods era and brought in a period of market-based dollar valuation. This change in exchange rate dynamics brought the dollar's stability into question.
│Petrodollar System (1970s): The petrodollar system was adopted by oil-producing countries, which increased demand for dollars in oil-related activities. As a result, the dollar's position as a reserve currency was further solidified in the world's oil trade.
│1980s to 2000s: The U.S. economy's and financial markets' resiliency fueled the dollar's dominance during these decades. It quickly became the standard for reserves, investments, and international trade. The globalization of financial markets strengthened the dominance of the dollar.
│Financial Crisis and Safe-Haven Status (2008–present): The world financial crisis 2008 confirmed the dollar's standing as a haven asset in times of economic unpredictability. Investors looked to the dollar and the U.S. Treasury bonds, reiterating its status as a last-resort currency.
Will the U.S. Dollar Collapse?
The collapse of the U.S. dollar remains ambiguous until now.
Several articles and websites urge us to prepare for the coming recession, but have the preconditions of a dollar collapse occurred?
Foreign exporters do not want a dollar collapse because it would likely create a panic that frets the global economy.
Even if the United States had to default on some debt obligations, there is little indication that the world would let the dollar collapse and risk possible depression. But the collapse on Wall Street has been alarming, and the U.S. government must have a choice whether to default on the national debt or destroy the dollar.
If the U.S. dollar collapses, it may come to pass. No one would predict it. That's because the signs of forthcoming failure are difficult to see.
The government must take the necessary intervention to bring an economy back from collapse. Yet, this can often take time to remedy the problem.
Three Triggers of a Dollar Collapse
U.S. Currency is weakening
When the U.S. dollar weakens, it suggests an adverse financial effect. A weaker currency would encourage exports and make imports inflated. This would mean decreasing a nation's trade deficit over time. Every business will have a certain degree of effect depending on the increased price of goods and services.
A weak dollar can boost the gross domestic product during an economic recession. Because exported goods cost less, foreign buyers buy them more significantly. It can also result in higher inflation expectations and higher commodity prices.
Furthermore, it could lead the Federal Reserve to react and tighten monetary policy.
The Emergence of China and the European Economy
China ranks second (next to Japan) among the major foreign holders of treasury securities in the U.S. If China's economy continues to grow at the current rates, it will surpass the United States as the most significant global market.
The largest world economy drives the most investor interest. In this scenario, there would be a massive demand for Chinese Yuan currency. Investors would sell U.S. dollars to buy the Yuan, causing a big sell-off.
Based on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, the next most popular currency after the dollar is the euro, based on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. But it comprises less than 30% of central bank reserves. The Eurozone debt crisis weakened the euro as a practical global currency.
The emergence of major foreign holders of U.S. treasuries is a potential factor in a dollar collapse. Nonetheless, the U.S. dollar must be resilient to bar this occurrence.
The Risk of Growing Government Debt & Central Banks
Based on the data, the outstanding U.S. public debt from January 2013 to August 2023 is rising.
The debt stood at around 32.91 trillion U.S. dollars as of August 2023, and forecast the gross federal debt of the United States for fiscal years until 2033. Public or national and governmental debt is the nation's central government's debt.
Government debt is an indirect debt of the countries' taxpayers, and the U.S. government budget continues to run at a deficit and is increasing at alarming rates.
According to the Federal Reserve and U.S. Department of Treasury,
foreign countries with over a trillion dollars of debt, like China (about $1.17 trillion) and Japan (about $ 1.06 trillion), held the highest percentages as of January 2018.
Central banks will do their power to save the situation, but remember that central banks can also lose control. This situation would be very demanding for the government with high debt loads.
Six Ways That Will Prepare and Protect You from a Dollar Collapse
A dollar collapse suggests an economic plight. It is akin to the deep recession that scarcity and shortage of resources would occur.
One must prepare for the worst scenario, and to respond to this uncertainty, one must be mobile.
Here are a few ways to prepare, protect yourself, and survive a dollar collapse:
1. Prepare Your Finances and Start Being Smart with Your Money Now
A brilliant savings plan is one of the most important things you can do regarding financial preparedness. If things go wrong, having a plan of action will help increase your chances of surviving the chaos.
- You start by cutting all unnecessary expenses and spend that money to pay down your debt. The possibility of losing your home to debt collectors is a genuine prospect.
- An Emergency Fund is a potential aid to prepare for financial troubles. It will give you stress-free during hard times. It can give you a fund to buy last-minute supplies once things go wrong.
- Remember to always have cash on hand. When things go wrong, there is a genuine possibility that the banks may freeze your accounts. It's essential to have some money that is accessible, either from a savings account or a cash box in your home. This can drive you over in an emergency until you can access money in your emergency fund.
2. Create a Stockpile of Survival Essentials
Now is the perfect time to buy long-term supplies that you will need to survive in the future. Start stockpiling food and long-term supplies.
Food, water, and long-lasting consumables are essential and indispensable in any crisis, especially during a collapse. You will likely see significant supply chain shortages and problems, making these supplies one of your most critical pre-collapse concerns.
Put together a supply of first-aid & medical supplies on hand. Once you create a kit, in the event of a collapse, you may not be able to shop for these supplies, so having them on hand is essential.
Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies for survival. Include personal items such as medications for yourself and members of your family. Check the kit to make sure nobody has used any of the supplies. Also, check the end dates and replace expired items.
3. Secure Your Home
To prepare for a dollar collapse, choose your shelter type. A separate shelter is designed to survive natural disasters or artificial weapons or attacks.
Power systems may fail during this kind of crisis, and robbers and scavengers may threaten your home. Take precautions to protect yourself and your home.
Another thing is to create two sources of electricity. One source could be solar. Hook it up to your home and then run the system underground. The second source might be an underground generator. You will use this in the event of a total loss of power. Keep your energy sources hidden underground to protect them.
Consider purchasing self-defense tools. Self-defense tools are generally harmless. They are used to prevent an attack by rendering the invader futile. You can use everyday objects, such as baseball bats or gears. Other tools you may buy include pepper spray, hand-held stun guns, Taser devices, or Sonic alarms.
Set an alarm system in your home. Home alert alarm systems are easy and inexpensive to install and maintain. Wireless security systems notify you if a trespasser is approaching your home. Hidden cameras allow you to see internal and exterior areas in your home where a trespasser may be present.
One of the prevalent risks you will face during the dollar collapse is the threat people pose. Learn everything you can about self-defense. When things go wrong, you will need a way to protect yourself and those you love, your home.
4. Prepare Your Family
Make sure that every member of the family is mindful of the situation. To prepare for a dollar collapse, you need to guarantee that your whole family is ready with your preparations.
This means simply informing them what is about to happen and telling them what they should be doing. Everyone must take the situation. Otherwise, they will not be mentally prepared if a collapse happens.
Each family member must be informed of your steps to prepare your finances, essential supplies, food, and shelter. Instruct them on doing the same.
Every member should understand the relationship between inflation and economic growth. Explain to them the adverse impact of a dollar collapse on your family's socio-economic life.
Consider including other family members, neighbors, or a community group in your preparations. Make sure that these are reliable people and put them to work for the benefit of the group.
5. Equip Your Mind
Even more important than supplies is survival knowledge and awareness. Knowledge is the key to your survival and now is the time to get plenty. Knowledge will be your most powerful ally during any crisis and survival, including a dollar collapse.
Read books on survival and preparedness, then start collecting information on living a more independent lifestyle.
Do your research, and don't rely on government-spun stories or those crafted in the media; you need to do your research. Check the reliability of the information you get to prepare for the collapse.
6. Expect a Financial Crisis
The significant risk you will face in a dollar collapse is the downturn of your finances. It is essential to be ready beforehand on what to do and what not to do with your financial systems.
- Check and track the price of commercial commodities. Changes in the prices of things affect the country's economy and the value of the U.S. dollar. An increase in commodity prices is associated with an increase in inflation. Increased inflation correlates with economic growth. But, if commodity prices drop, inflation slows, which indicates an economic decline.
- Take note of the financial markets. Big market ups and downs are a red flag, signaling a general decline.
- Watch the oil prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also increases when oil prices increase. Remember that the fluctuation of oil prices has a macroeconomic impact. If it rises, then the value of goods and services also increases.
What Will Life Be Like After A Dollar Collapse?
Everybody else could tell that a dollar collapse would occur. A sudden dollar collapse would create a global economic depression. It would allow the U.S. government to develop a currency system and financial strategies to avoid grave consequences.
- Demand for Treasury would drop, and interest rates would go up. U.S. import prices would skyrocket, causing inflation.
- Irregular public services like the school system experience frequent strikes that shut them down, and power issues and outages become more frequent.
- Unemployment would worsen, and more people would experience job loss or layoffs. More people are displaced, and finding a job will become almost impossible.
- An increase in criminal activity will happen. People will become desperate to feed themselves and their families, and more will be willing to cross the line into illegal activity to get what they need.
- Many people will lose access to healthcare when they lose their jobs. Healthcare appointments may become more challenging to schedule, and it may take longer to get in to see a doctor because more people are getting sick and need care.
- You can expect increased domestic violence incidents as family relationships are strained and cracked under the stress of poor living conditions.
A dollar collapse is a real threat with far-reaching repercussions. While it is inevitable, there are preparations that individuals and their families can make, at the very least, to protect themselves from the event triggers.
Stay informed on top of the global economy. You can be safe in a dollar collapse if you follow the ways that protect you from an economic crisis.
