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April 6, 2023

The US Dollar: The World’s Strongest Currency and Debunking China’s Threat
Alli Thomas

The US dollar has long been considered the world’s dominant currency, serving as the primary reserve currency and the standard for global trade. As Albuquerque, NM-based financial experts at Oakmont Advisory Group point out, amidst concerns about China’s growing economic power and the potential for the Chinese yuan to overtake the dollar, it’s essential to understand why the US dollar remains the strongest currency option and why the threat of China taking over may be overblown.

The Strength of the US Dollar: Insights from Oakmont Advisory Group, Albuquerque, NM

  1. Global Reserve Currency: The US dollar holds the status of the world’s primary reserve currency, with central banks holding significant amounts of dollars in their foreign exchange reserves (source). This status ensures the stability and liquidity of the dollar, making it an attractive choice for international transactions.
  2. Petrodollar System: The US dollar is the primary currency used in the global oil trade. This “petrodollar” system ensures a consistent demand for the dollar, helping to maintain its value and stability (source).
  3. Trust and Confidence: The US has a long history of political stability, strong economic performance, and adherence to the rule of law. These factors contribute to the trust and confidence that global investors place in the US dollar, further solidifying its status as the strongest currency option (source).
  4. Widely Accepted: The US dollar is widely accepted and used in international transactions, making it easier for businesses and individuals to conduct global trade and investments (source).

Why Albuquerque’s Oakmont Advisory Group Believes the Threat of China Taking Over May Be Overblown:

  1. Capital Controls: China maintains strict capital controls, limiting the free flow of money in and out of the country. These controls hinder the internationalization of the Chinese yuan, making it less attractive as a global reserve currency (source).
  2. Lack of Transparency: China’s financial system is often criticized for its lack of transparency, with concerns about the accuracy of economic data and the potential for manipulation. This lack of transparency can erode trust in the Chinese yuan, limiting its ability to challenge the US dollar’s dominance (source).
  3. Political Risks: China’s political system, characterized by one-party rule and limited political freedoms, poses risks for investors and can contribute to currency volatility. These political risks are a barrier to the yuan becoming a dominant global currency (source).
  4. Limited International Use: Although the Chinese yuan is becoming more widely used in international transactions, it still lags far behind the US dollar in terms of acceptance and usage. This limited international use restricts the yuan’s ability to overtake the dollar as the world’s dominant currency ([source](https://www.bloomberg.com

While China’s economic growth and influence cannot be ignored, Albuquerque’s Oakmont Advisory Group emphasizes that the US dollar remains the strongest currency option due to its status as the global reserve currency, the petrodollar system, and the trust and confidence placed in the US economy. The Chinese yuan faces significant hurdles to overtake the dollar, including capital controls, lack of transparency, political risks, and limited international use. As a result, the threat of China taking over as the world’s dominant currency may be overblown, and the US dollar’s position is likely to remain secure for the foreseeable future.

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