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Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Pound Extends Recent Winning Streak as UK Growth Beats Estimates
The pound extended its recent outperformance versus major peers as UK growth data came in stronger than expected. Sterling rose 0.1% to $1.3592 on Thursday, its strongest level since July 10. The UK currency has outperformed all Group-of-10 peers over the past week and is on track for a sixth straight gain versus the euro, its longest winning streak in three months.
Bloomberg
01-08-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Euro Set for Worst Week Since 2022 on Europe-US Trade Deal Pain
The euro is headed for its worst week in almost three years against the dollar as concern seeped in to the market about the economic impact of Europe's trade deal with the US. The common currency is trading around 2.8% lower since the start of the week at $1.1420, the biggest drop since September 2022. It's been one of the hardest hit as the dollar gains against all its Group-of-10 peers and trades near to a two-month low.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore stablecoin rules are ahead of global peers, but widespread adoption will take time: Experts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a currency, commodity or financial instrument to reduce price volatility. SINGAPORE – Singapore's stablecoin regulatory framework is more mature than its peers like Hong Kong and the United States, but industry experts said widespread adoption of the digital currency here will take time. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a currency, commodity or financial instrument to reduce price volatility. They are commonly used as a more stable medium of exchange, such as for payments and trading , than highly volatile tokens like Bitcoin. Popular stablecoins such as the USDT and USDC, and crypto-related stocks like Circle and Coinbase, have traded heavily since the US Senate on June 17 passed a landmark Bill to regulate US dollar-pegged stablecoins. If signed into law, the new rules will require stablecoins to be backed by liquid assets – such as US dollars and short-term Treasury bills – and for issuers to disclose their reserves monthly. Stablecoins have gained some traction in Singapore since August 2023, when the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) set out its requirements for stablecoin issuers following two consultations in 2022. For example, they are currently being used to maintain reserve assets valued at no less than 100 per cent of the outstanding single-currency stablecoins (SCS) in circulation at all times. The reserves must be held in cash, cash equivalents, or in three-month Singapore Government bonds, and denominated in the same currency as the peg. Issuers must also have a base capital of at least $1 million or 50 per cent of their annual operating expenses, whichever is higher. They are further required to hold liquid assets worth more than half of annual operating expenses, or enough to support recovery or an orderly wind-down. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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MAS also said that SCS issuers have to issue solely out of Singapore, as it is currently difficult to monitor and verify the adequacy and availability of reserve assets held overseas. Mr Samson Leo , chief legal officer at payments firm StraitsX, said Singapore's stablecoin industry has evolved from early experimentation to a well-regulated and competitive ecosystem. 'The turning point came with the introduction of the SCS framework, which brought much-needed regulatory clarity on reserve backing, redemption rights, and operational standards,' he said. 'MAS was well ahead of its time in comparison to Hong Kong and the US, having commenced public consultations for the SCS framework in October 2022 and finalising it in August 2023.' StraitsX began issuing Singapore-dollar backed stablecoin XSGD back in 2020. The stablecoin, which is fully backed 1:1 by reserves held with DBS Bank and Standard Chartered, allows users another option for payment, including real-time cross-border payments and on-chain settlement. Mr Leo noted that the SCS framework builds on MAS' regulation of digital payment tokens under the Payment Services Act 2019, and imposes a more targeted and stringent set of rules for stablecoin issuers. 'This layered approach reflects MAS' proactive regulatory posture in mitigating the unique consumer risks posed by stablecoins,' he said. Ms Angela Ang, who heads policy and strategic partnerships for Asia-Pacific at blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, noted that the Republic was one of the first countries to regulate stablecoins. Since 2020, stablecoin activities have fallen under the Payment Services Act as digital payment token services. 'The industry has been anticipating the final legislation since MAS concluded its public consultation in August 2023,' added Ms Ang. 'When it comes, it will mark another step forward in regulatory clarity for stablecoins here – MAS has also granted licences to several issuers since 2023, which is strong proof of industry interest in issuing stablecoins out of Singapore.' But a 'significant restriction' is that stablecoins regulated under MAS' framework must be issued only in Singapore, noted Ms Ang. 'That rules out stablecoins already issued elsewhere – it could also pose challenges for issuers who start in Singapore but later want to expand by issuing in other major hubs like the US,' she said. 'MAS has signalled it's watching global trends and remains open to widening the scope. If that happens, it could create strong tailwinds for stablecoin issuance here.' Ms Katalin Tischhauser, head of investment research at digital banking group Sygnum, said MAS' framework is rigorous yet clear, and sets a high compliance bar that gives institutional players the confidence to operate here. But on the retail front, the landscape reflects what one would expect in a developed market like Singapore, she said. 'Most stablecoin activity centres around crypto trading rather than morning coffee purchases – they don't really solve a pain point for the average consumer; current demand largely comes from crypto-engaged users who maintain significant stablecoin holdings for trading convenience,' said Ms Tischhauser. Broader adoption would require meaningful incentives to adopt alternative payment methods like stablecoins, but unlike emerging markets where currency volatility pushes people towards dollar-pegged alternatives, the Republic's stable financial infrastructure does not create that urgency, she noted. Ms Tischhauser said that where things get 'exciting' is institutional adoption. Banks and payment providers are actively testing settlement solutions on private b lockchains. 'MAS has built a regulatory foundation that institutional players trust – perfect for wholesale use cases, though it won't necessarily encourage the average Singaporean consumer to pay with stablecoins,' she said. MAS launched Project Orchid in 2021 to explore the infrastructure needed for a digital Singapore dollar. In 2023, it announced that several financial institutions and companies – including Ant International, Grab and HSBC – were exploring trials involving purpose-bound money, a form of tokenised digital currency. It also said it would begin developing central bank digital currencies for wholesale interbank settlement in 2024. Mr Rahul Advani, global co-head of policy at blockchain payments firm Ripple, said institutional adoption of stablecoins in Singapore will lay the groundwork for broader consumer use. He noted that large-scale retail payments might still be nascent, but potential growth areas include cheaper remittances as well as e-commerce and online payments. 'For retail payments, the path may be slower but it is certainly feasible – traditional payment methods are already highly efficient in Singapore, but stablecoins can offer unique advantages in certain use cases, especially for online transactions and for a growing segment of the population comfortable with digital assets,' he said. Ms Hannah Puganenthran, head of compliance at cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve Singapore, offered a more cautious view, noting that stablecoin adoption will depend on both consumer and merchant demand. 'If merchants in Singapore don't see clear interest from their customers, there's little incentive to support stablecoin payments,' she said. 'Stablecoins are still often viewed as part of the broader crypto landscape, and are associated with speculation... This perception, combined with a cautious stance towards digital payment tokens, continues to limit adoption.' 'But regulatory clarity can address these concerns, and education and transparent regulatory standards will be essential to building trust and supporting broader use,' Ms Puganenthran added. Some developments are already under way on the consumer front in Singapore. Grab introduced the option to top up GrabPay e-wallets with cryptocurrencies in 2024, following a tie-up with payments firm Triple-A. Users can choose from five digital currencies – Bitcoin, Ether, StraitsX's XSGD, and the US dollar-backed stablecoins USDC and USDT. Separately, AXS has also partnered Triple-A to allow its app users to make top-ups and bill payments using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, USDC and USDT. Mr Ivan Wong, group chief financial officer of cryptocurrency exchange OSL, said that for stablecoins to gain broader adoption, the digital currency has to be integrated with existing payment ecosystems such as point-of-sale terminals, e-wallets, QR code networks and mobile banking apps. In Singapore, this could mean embedding stablecoins within platforms like PayNow or GrabPay, making usage as intuitive as tapping an ez-link card or scanning a QR code, he said. 'As initiatives like MAS's Project Orchid mature, we anticipate clearer guidance on wallet security, QR payment compatibility, and potential integration with CBDCs – critical components for enabling stablecoins to function at scale in everyday payment contexts,' he said. Mr Eddie Hui, co-president and chief operating officer of digital asset platform MetaComp, said that over time, stablecoins can be embedded into more consumer-facing platforms in Singapore. 'As the ecosystem matures and more businesses adopt stablecoin rails, the benefits will increasingly flow to consumers in the form of lower fees, better rates and more efficient digital experiences... Singapore's proactive regulatory environment and financial ecosystem give it a strong foundation to lead this transition regionally,' he said.
Mint
21-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Bessent, Kato Did Not Discuss FX Levels at G-7, US Says
US Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato did not discuss foreign exchange levels during a meeting in Canada, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. The news sent the yen lower. Bessent and Kato 'reaffirmed their shared belief that exchange rates should be market determined and that, at present, the dollar-yen exchange rate reflects fundamentals,' the department said Wednesday. The officials met on the sidelines of a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven nations being held in Banff, Canada. Bessent and Kato discussed issues relevant to the US-Japanese economic relationship, including global security and the ongoing bilateral trade discussions between the two nations, the department said. The yen weakened as much as 0.5% to ¥144.40 against the dollar after the news. Japan's currency was the worst performer among its Group of 10 peers against the dollar on Thursday morning in Tokyo. Still, the reaffirmation on the currency helps Kato lower the risk of a rapid weakening of the yen after his ministry has struggled to clearly reverse course in the last few years. The outcome of the meeting suggests the US has no major issue with the yen's appreciation after President Donald Trump accused of Japan taking an unfair advantage by lowering the value of the currency. Any rapid movement in the strength of the yen could increase the chance of a recession, regardless of direction, especially as Japan and the US continue negotiations on a trade agreement. A much weaker yen would fuel inflationary pressures while a stronger currency would squeeze corporate profits and wage momentum as trade concerns are already hurting consumer sentiment. Japan's economy contracted in the first quarter. This was the pair's second face-to-face talk in a month after the two met in April. With assistance from Mia Glass. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Is dollar's reign ending?
THE US dollar's current and future role in the world monetary and financial order is under scrutiny. Is the dollar's 'exorbitant privilege' status as the world's reserve currency truly at risk? Will the US dollar be dethroned? The USD index (DXY), measured against a basket of currencies, has recently experienced a notable decline, falling to its lowest level in three years. After appreciating by a cumulative 12.5% for three consecutive years (2022 to 2024), the DXY has declined by 8.3% as of April 2025. Contrary to the prediction of standard theory and prior evidence from the Trump 1.0 tariffs in 2018, the US dollar, rather than appreciating, depreciated on concerns about the Liberation Day tariffs' impact. Most of the Group of 10 currencies have appreciated against the US dollar. A number of factors have weighed on the US dollar, including uncertainty over tariff policies and concerns that the tariff shock could trigger a recession or stagflation in the US economy, ultimately overshadowing the intended impact of the tariffs. Additionally, foreign investors have rebalanced their portfolios as they reduced exposure to US dollar-denominated assets and switched into other currencies, raising spectre of investors losing trust in the US dollar under President Donald Trump's destructive tariffs impact on the world economy, particulaly the US economy, and global trade. For many years, there have been prophecies that the US dollar will lose its status as the world's major reserve currency. A wider tariff conflicts and an escalation of tit-for-tat between the United States and China, and the recent declines in the US dollar as well as a reduction in US dollar-denominated assets, have reignited talks that the US dollar would be heading to a sustained decline, precipitating flight as investors shift capital to safer alternatives. Major holders of the US Treasury Securities (UST), namely Japan and China, have reduced their holdings over the years. Japan has reduced its holdings of UST to US$1.126 trillion or 12.8% share as at end-Feb 2025, from US$1.251 trillion or 17.7% in 2020. China's holdings of UST also trimmed substantially to US$784bil or 8.9% share at end-Feb 2025, from US$1.072 trillion or 15.2% share in 2020. While the US dollar has lost some ground in recent decades to non-traditional currencies, it has retained its position as a leading reserve currency. The US dollar's share of global reserves had reached a peak of 71% in 2000, and has since reduced to 62.3% in 2010, 58.9% in 2020, 58.4% in 2023 and 57.8% in 2024. It is observed that since end-2020, the central banks' reserve diversification has not been towards the euro, pound sterling and the Japanese yen, but towards non-traditional reserve currencies such as Chinese yuan, and small, open as well as better managed currencies, including the Australian dollar. The euro's share of global reserves declined from a peak of 25.8% in 2010 to 19.8% in 2024, while that of the yen's fell from 6% in 2020 to 5.8% in 2024. Based on the available data, the yuan's share of global reserve, which was 1.23% in 2017, has increased over the years to remain constant at 2.3% in 2020 to 2024. The latest data from the international payment messaging system SWIFT showed that the US dollar is the most used currency in the world for cross-border transactions (60.1% share) as of December 2024. This is followed by the euro (12.8%), yen (5.1%) and pound sterling (4.9%). The yuan's share was 2.8%. It is reckoned that the US dollar has not enjoyed the same hegemony of its 1990s heydays. De-dollarisation and the long-term trend toward currency diversification in global trade and financial transactions are gaining momentum amid shifting global power dynamics. Countries are increasingly seeking to reduce their reliance on the US dollar, driven by factors like geoeconomic fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, economic diversification, and the rise of alternative currencies and payment systems. Prospects for the US dollar may not be as bright as they once were as some diversification from the greenback is underway as the world's economic centre of gravity is indeed shifting eastward towards China, India and other emerging markets. What is the future of dollar hegemony? The dollar's hegemony stems from the US's economic power, military strength and its influence in international political power play. This can be observed in two distinct eras: (1) The Bretton Woods agreement (1944-1971) established a new international monetary system, with gold as the basis for the US dollar and fixed exchange rates; and (2) the neoliberal era (1980 until present). The dollar hegemony is challenged by rising China's economic clout and efforts to internationalise its currency; evolving emerging economies (BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates); and the shifting new world order, growing diversification of reserves away from the US dollar as well as increasing calls for a more balanced international monetary system. Will the US dollar's dominance give way to a multipolar system of currencies? A gradual decline in the US dollar's dominance in international trade and finance will see other currencies like China's yuan gaining prominence and playing a bigger role. Since 2008, the People's Bank of China has established bilateral currency swap agreements with over 40 countries, making it a key global lender and providing access to yuan liquidity in exchange for their local currency, to facilitate trade and enhance financial stability. China's currency swap strategy offers an alternative to the US dollar while extending its geopolitical reach. However, yuan's lack of full capital account convertibility and concerns over transparency present challenges to its broader adoption. Can the rise in the economic power of BRICS and its potential of creating a common currency provide a multipolar currency system to have a more balanced and orderly international monetary system? BRICS has developed its own cross-border payment system, known as 'BRICS Clear', which aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar and facilitate transactions within BRICS countries using their own currencies. Some 160 countries have signed up to use the system. In 2015, China launched its Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) to facilitate the clearing and settlement of cross-border transactions in yuan. As of May 2024, CIPS has over 1,530 direct and indirect participants, including banks and financial institutions in major cities and regions around the world. There are many considerations and hurdles for BRICS countries to create a common currency; it is not only used primarily to trade but also for broader financial to ensure the viability of a common currency, BRICS political, economic, and social context is crucial. While BRICS countries using their local currencies to trade among themselves will lower the transaction costs and reduce reliance on the US dollar and other major foreign currencies, there are limitations for broader use due to the lack of demand for most currencies internationally. For example, the use of local currencies (Indian rupees and Brazilian real) for trade settlement between India and Brazil, if either one country accumulates more rupees or real, the surplus currencies cannot be used elsewhere, unlike the US dollar, yen and euro, which are among the most widely traded currencies in the world given their high liquidity, stable value and widespread exchange. Will the gold standard come back to replace the US dollar, pivoting to a monetary gold standard? The United States is unlikely to return to the gold standard in the near future as the amount of gold reserves currently held by the United States is insufficient to fully support the money supply, which is a requirement for a full-fledged gold standard. The United States holds approximately 8,133.46 tonnes of gold reserves, making it the largest holder of gold in the world. The potential drawbacks of returning to the gold standard are it could restrict the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy flexibility, limit money supply and constraint government spending. It could also hinder the government's ability to respond to economic shocks since it cannot print more money or adjust interest rates to stimulate the economy. There are signs that point to a return to some kind of monetary gold standard. In recent years, central banks, including China, India, and Russia have been hoovering up gold at an eye-watering pace. In 2024, the central banks' gold purchases exceeded 1,000 tonnes for the third year in a row, and they bought 244 tonnes of gold in the first quarter of 2025, comfortably within the quarterly range of the last three years. The rising popularity of cryptocurrencies have become all the rage and digital payment options have fuelled expectations for the replacement of fiat money. While digital alternatives offer enhanced security, greater accessibility, transparency, and low transaction costs, its rigid supply, price volatility, a lack of regulation and technical barriers for some users hinder its capacity to serve as a medium of exchange, store of value, and unit of account, as envisaged by Modern Monetary Theory. The United States' unsustainable debt path could lead to a self-inflicted demise of the US dollar over time. With a budget deficit of 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) and national debt surging past US$34 trillion, over US$10 trillion debt added since 2020, the country's debt-to-GDP ratio is at 120% – one of the highest in the world. The United States is expected to roll over nearly US$9 trillion in maturing debt within the next 12 months. A default on the US debt could cause 'financial chaos' and have an 'adverse impact' on the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency. A loss of confidence and trust in the US government and institutions could undermine the US dollar's position, opening the door for other currencies to gain a more dominant position. Lee Heng Guie is the executive director of the Socio-economic Research Centre. The views expressed here are the writer's own.
