u.s. dollar

But it would likely come with a side order of inflation.

A lack of predictability and stability is putting the dollar’s “exorbitant privilege” at risk.

Import costs have surged in the country, sending inflation soaring to around 15% — that means shrinking international dollar reserves and a growing parallel black market for U.S. dollars.

In an economic crisis involving hyperinflation, gold would be valuable. A total societal collapse, not so much.

Revenues earned abroad mean more dollars because of the greenback’s decline.

The U.S. economy is still a good investment, if you look at growth and high interest rates, but investors are rattled by high tariffs and high deficits.

For much of the past 80 years, the greenback has served as the world’s reserve currency. There are signs that’s starting to shift.

A weaker U.S. dollar means American companies can sell their goods at more competitive prices overseas. But it also threatens that reserve currency status.

The U.S. dollar has weakened since January, but even so, it’s still the world’s dominant currency in many ways — you can find it almost anywhere.

Once new levies take a bite out of imports, the currency’s value is likely to grow, making American goods more expensive for foreign buyers.