This Month
The digital currency quietly taking over the global financial system
In an era where economic statecraft increasingly involves payment systems and financial sanctions, control over monetary infrastructure carries geopolitical weight.
May
The curious case of a dubious result that scorched investors
If OFX’s results fell off the back of a truck, they were either the wrong set of numbers or landed in the hands of an idiot.
Warren Buffett idea that will never catch on
The legendary investor agrees with Donald Trump on the US trade balance, and has a market-based plan to fix it. But economists say it’s unlikely to become reality.
How the US lost its stranglehold on global reserve currency status
We may well be having an “economic moment” where the American dollar goes the way of the pound before it.
Is America about to nuke its own currency?
Although the dollar’s role as the world’s leading reserve currency plays a part, it is just one of many factors contributing to the US’ persistent trade deficits.
April
Bullock was right about Australia’s shock absorber against US tariffs
Last week, the RBA governor said the exchange rate would be an important “buffer” in Trump’s trade war. It is what economists call it an “automatic stabiliser”.
March
The ‘protection racket’ theory that explains Trump’s economic strategy
There is one framework for understanding Donald Trump’s economic agenda. Its aim is to reset the global financial and trading system.
January
Winners and losers from the Aussie dollar’s near five-year low
There’s something strange going on with the currency. Expect expensive overseas trips, takeover activity, more foreign buyers in the real estate market and a federal budget boost.
December 2024
This US bank makes a bold call on the $A
The Australian dollar dropped below US64¢ last week, yet the investment giant says it’s time to offload the strong US dollar instead.
October 2024
Erratic Aussie dollar a factor in the RBA’s missed inflation targets
Over the past decade, the central bank’s policy choices have led to exchange rate levels that have made inflation challenges harder, not easier.
July 2024
Alarms, double prices: Japan is getting fed up with foreign tourists
Angst is rising in Japan over what locals are calling an “over-tourism crisis” – and some towns are taking action.
May 2024
Why anger is rising over Japan’s ‘dangerously’ weak yen
Ryohei Kim is furious at the Bank of Japan because of the record-low yen and the impact it is having on his beloved video games.
April 2024
Are we about to witness a rerun of the Asian financial crisis?
Investors are becoming increasingly alarmed as buoyant economic activity and high interest rates in the US risk triggering renewed instability across Asia.
How long before the yen is again a safe-haven bet?
If inflation remains positive and interest rates continue to rise, the yen is likely to eventually strengthen.
Are we on the brink of an Asian currency war?
As tensions over China’s push into high-tech manufacturing flare, analysts warn that it’s only a matter of time before China follows Japan’s lead in competitive currency devaluations.
December 2023
‘Bleeding sore’: Why the $A float 40 years ago was such a big deal
It took a lot of nerve to cut the Australian dollar loose, but former PM and treasurer Paul Keating says it was the moment the Australian economy grew up.
October 2023
FX firm ‘significantly overcharged’ start-up Koala, ex-staffer alleges
Foreign exchange trader Convera overcharged mattress company Koala and demanded the will of late music industry legend Michael Gudinski, a new claim alleges.
August 2023
Six new countries to join BRICS as group seeks to counter G7
Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and United Arab Emirates will become full members of the BRICS group in January.
Bric set to rival US dollar as the world’s new dominant currency
Russia wants Brazil, India, China, and South Africa to help create legal tender that could challenge the greenback in international trade.
July 2023
Bye bye bank fees, as tech cuts out costly foreign exchange pain
Banks will hate it, but tourists and expat workers will be cheering as new tech lowers FX fees across SE Asia, while fintechs compete to transform the world’s largest financial market.