Global debt markets show dollar dominance moves in cycles, US Fed says
A new Federal Reserve discussion paper reveals that the U.S. dollar’s dominance in global debt markets has moved in cycles over the past 60 years, with no clear long-term trend toward either dollarization or de-dollarization. The study identifies three distinct "dollarization waves" since the 1960s, showing currency usage shifts are cyclical rather than structural.
As of 2024, emerging markets still rely heavily on dollar-denominated debt, which makes up about 80% of their international bonds. Meanwhile, the rise of dollar-pegged stablecoins like USDT and USDC—which together represent 85% of the $309.6 billion stablecoin market—has reinforced dollar dominance. These stablecoins are backed significantly by U.S. Treasury holdings, making their issuers major holders of U.S. government debt.
The report concludes that despite vulnerabilities, the dollar’s global role remains unchallenged due to a lack of alternatives. Efforts to internationalize other currencies, including the Chinese renminbi, have seen limited success. European policymakers have expressed concern over the growing influence of dollar-backed stablecoins.
cointelegraph12/18 21:38
