US Dollar Outperforms in 2024 amid global currency struggles. In 2024, the performance of major currencies was shaped by a variety of factors, including economic health, trade dynamics, and financial stability. The US dollar (USD), as the most-traded currency globally, emerged as the top performer, gaining 6.7% throughout the year. Its strength was largely attributed to the resilience of the U.S. economy, which weathered global uncertainties, and a relatively stable inflationary environment. The USD finished near an all-time high, solidifying its position as the dominant currency.
Meanwhile, the Euro (EUR), the most-traded currecny in Europe, saw a decline of 5.9% in 2024. The Japanese yen (JPY) also struggled, losing 10.0% of its value amid political uncertainties in Japan and a significant interest rate differential between Japan and the United States. The Mexican peso (MXN) faced the sharpest decline, plummeting 18.2% due to internal political turmoil and the impact of Donald Trump’s U.S. election victory.
In the Middle East & North Africa, the UAE dirham (AED), which is closely tied to oil prices, finished flat for the year. Other currencies, such as the Indian rupee (INR) and the South African rand (ZAR), also ended the year in the red, with declines of 2.8% each.
Despite a challenging year for most currencies, the U.S. dollar’s strength highlights the potential for opportunities in foreign exchange trading in 2025. As investors look ahead, strategies such as short-long positions against weaker currencies, including the Mexican peso and Japanese yen, may become increasingly relevant in light of the economic trends and geopolitical developments shaping global markets.
