Too confident in the indomitable dollar, the US saw sanctions as a cost-free way to fight Russia without risking troops. But it is paying the price in lost currency allegiances, with gold left as the main safe haven.
Today commentators overwhelmingly agree that a weakening US dollar cannot possibly lose its status as the world’s dominant currency because there is “no alternative” on the visible horizon. Perhaps, but don’t tell that to the many countries racing to find an alternative, and such complacency will only accelerate their search.
The prime example right now is gold, up 20 per cent in six months. Surging demand is not led by the usual suspects – investors large and small, seeking a hedge against inflation and low real interest rates.
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Financial Times
Ruchir Sharma is a writer and investor, and the author of four books, including most recently "The 10 Rules of Successful Nations". He is chairman of Rockefeller International.
