Goldman Sachs warns that US tariffs could weaken the dollar and lower foreign investment

    by VT Markets
    /
    May 19, 2025
    The US dollar is expected to drop due to trade tensions, uncertain policies, and slowing GDP growth, all of which affect confidence and the demand for US assets. Forecasts suggest that by 2025, the dollar could decline by 10% against the euro and 9% against both the yen and the pound. Tariffs could squeeze profit margins for US companies and lower consumer incomes, putting further pressure on the dollar’s value. Consumer boycotts and reduced tourism also hurt GDP. With strong spending from abroad and weaker performance in the US, investors are moving away from US assets. Foreign central banks are reducing their dollar reserves, which could lead private investors to do the same. If supply chains and consumer behavior remain inflexible due to tariffs, the US could face economic challenges. A potential 10% universal tariff is still uncertain but could arise amidst ongoing trade issues. These factors create new scenarios that differ from those seen during the previous administration. Overall, it’s clear that the dollar is under pressure. This strain can no longer be seen as only temporary. Current policies suggest the dollar is weakening as confidence declines. Global investors are closely watching tariff announcements, macroeconomic shifts, and central bank actions, which are crucial for understanding future currency movements. The anticipated 10% drop against the euro, alongside similar declines against the yen and pound, reflects more than just perception—it indicates a shift in sentiment driven by decreasing growth potential and emerging imbalances. If trade barriers continue to disrupt supply chains and limit disposable incomes, the dollar’s weakness mirrors these economic inefficiencies. It makes sense to expect fluctuations in interest rates and differences in market spreads. Once large-scale capital withdrawal starts, it seldom stops halfway. Wang’s observations about fewer dollar reserves held by foreign central banks suggest that this could be a warning sign rather than a random occurrence. History shows that private investors typically follow these trends, albeit with a slight delay. There’s a strong psychological tendency to hold on until losses become too costly to ignore. Therefore, any temporary strength in the dollar should be viewed as a short-term correction unless there’s a substantial policy change or growth improvement, neither of which is currently expected. From a strategy standpoint, any investments heavily tied to the dollar should now be evaluated based on future predictions rather than past results. While a 10% universal tariff may not be implemented soon, it remains a viable option and could impact pricing strategies. The predictability seen in trade has been replaced by ongoing negotiations, increasing market volatility. Market assumptions have shifted since the previous administration, especially concerning deregulation and the return of capital. This change alters how risks are distributed among currency pairs. With lower real yields and slowing growth, asset flows are moving towards markets considered more stable or offering better returns relative to their volatility. Xu pointed out this trend, and recent portfolio changes support it. In the short term, price movements may appear clearer, but reduced liquidity in certain currency pairs, especially high-risk ones, could lead to unexpected slippage risks not reflected in overall trading volumes. Using tighter stop-loss orders and staggered entries could help manage potential risks. Gujar’s price targets might be adjusted sooner than expected, particularly if trade developments occur without new domestic stimulus. Recently, even major currencies have begun to show stress signals typically seen in emerging markets. This indicates a potential shift in how these currencies correlate. Kelly’s analysis highlights that volatility responds more to policy direction and investor sentiment than to direct economic data, which accounts for the recent disconnect between interest rates and currency movements. So far, narrowing profit margins in industries haven’t fully impacted stock valuations, but the pressure is rising beneath the surface. This signals the need for closer monitoring if you’re holding synthetic positions linked to currency hedges. The longer that sentiment remains aligned with protectionist talk, the greater the momentum against dollar-denominated investments.

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