The weakening of the US dollar and the new policies proposed by the Federal Reserve led to speculations that the US dollar is losing its dominance as a global currency. However, there is ‘push back’ that these speculations are exaggerated because ‘there are no other contenders’ for a reserve currency. Macroeconomic influencers share their views on the Covid -19 impact.

Daniel Lacalle

Daniel Lacalle, an economist and author, tweeted on how the US dollar index lost 10% since March and the speculations surrounding its collapse as a reserve currency. He noted that these speculations are false and that the US dollar index has weakened only relative to the Euro and the Yen.

Lacalle added that the status of the US dollar as a reserve currency is not at risk as there is no other contender. The Euro is at risk of redenomination due to political and economic issues and the Yuan cannot be considered as a global currency until the country maintains capital controls.

Ian Bremmer

Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and author, shared an article on how the UK government plans to rewrite the terms negotiated for its exit from the European Union (EU). The article noted that such a move may breach international law.

UK’s exit agreement provided Northern Ireland the same trade rules as the rest of the EU, which was a primary condition included in the Good Friday Agreement signed in 1998 between the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The new terms of the agreement may alter these guarantees putting an open Irish border in jeopardy. Further, the US may not support any moves that block the borders between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Any future US-UK free trade agreement may be undermined by the UK’s plans to renegotiate the terms of its exit, the article noted.

Prof. Steve Hanke

Prof. Steve Hanke, economist at Johns Hopkins University, shared an article on how New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is struggling to stay afloat. The MTA is posting losses of $200m per week as fare revenues and tolls are continuing to fall.

Fewer passengers are using public transportation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Passenger numbers are 75% below the numbers in 2019. Federal funding of $12bn may help the MTA survive through the year and the next. Without funding, the MTA may need to resort to drastic measures including 40% reduction in subway and bus journeys.

In addition, several capital projects may be delayed, employees may be laid off and fares will likely be increased. The MTA has been facing fiscal problems for more than a decade and the new challenges are complicating existing issues.

Adam Ozimek

Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, shared an article on the challenges faced by the restaurants industry in the US amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Bars and restaurants have been held responsible for outbreaks in some of regions in the US due to the close proximity and enclosed spaces in these established spaces.

Public health experts have noted that continued restrictions on these spaces are essential to prevent any further spike in infections. Shuttering these businesses for too long can drive thousands of them into bankruptcy.

A more focussed strategy that can allow restaurants to open with outdoor dining and allowing bars to remain partially open along with federal aid is essential for the industry to survive, the article noted.

wonkmonk

wonkmonk, an economic policy activist, shared an article on how global output has been growing but the pandemic still casts a shadow on the forecasts. The worldwide Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) surveys for August indicated the fastest growth during the year.

The JPMorgan Global PMI increased from 51 in July to 52.4 in August, which is the highest increase recorded since March 2019. The PMI indicate an expansion of 3% in the annual rate of GDP.

The global PMI had declined to an all time low of 26.2 in April, following lockdown measures implemented across the world.

https://twitter.com/wonkmonk_/status/1303930849671417856