After the Dollar: Who’s Replacing the Greenback?

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Greetings, curious navigator of global tides!

The U.S. dollar has been the world's financial anchor for generations. But times are changing. As confidence shifts and new alliances form, countries are quietly preparing for a future where the dollar no longer rules the world.

This shift isn’t just for economists or politicians—it affects where you might want to invest, retire, or safeguard your savings.

In this edition, we explore the rising contenders, bold currency experiments, and what it all means for your next move.

Let’s dive in.

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1. The Dollar’s Waning Grip: A Shifting Landscape

For decades, the U.S. dollar (USD) has been the world’s default currency. About 90% of global trade still touches the dollar in some way. But that dominance is starting to fray.

Countries like 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, and 🇮🇷 Iran are trading more in their own currencies. Even major economies like 🇧🇷 Brazil are testing dollar-free trade settlements. It’s not a freefall—it’s a slow fade.

The dollar still makes up about 59% of global central bank reserves (down from 71% in 1999), but alternatives are gaining traction as more countries look to reduce exposure to U.S. politics and sanctions.

🧭 Practical takeaway:
If you're holding savings, investments, or retirement income tied to the USD, consider diversifying. Multi-currency portfolios or property in stable, non-dollar regions could help reduce exposure to shifts in reserve preferences.

🔎 Curious fact: In 2023, China and France completed an LNG transaction using yuan—sidestepping the dollar entirely for the first time in history.

The chart below shows how much of each country's or region's foreign reserves are held in U.S. dollars—revealing who’s staying loyal to the greenback, and who’s moving away.

2. Rise of the Yuan: China’s Strategic Play

China isn’t rushing the dethroning of the dollar—but it’s preparing for it. Through massive infrastructure investments and trade partnerships, 🇨🇳 Beijing is weaving the yuan into the global economy.

It’s working—sort of. In 2023, Brazil and China settled a growing share of trade in yuan. And more countries are holding yuan in their reserves. But the catch? The yuan isn’t fully convertible, limiting its appeal as a reserve.

China is also pushing its digital yuan (e-CNY), which has already rolled out in 260 million wallets. It’s a big step toward currency sovereignty and an end-run around the SWIFT system.

💼 What this could mean for your strategy:
China’s digital yuan could influence how global e-commerce and digital payments evolve. For investors, keep an eye on yuan-denominated bonds and Chinese digital infrastructure—potential growth areas in a post-dollar world.

📍 Signal shift: Brazil now settles more trade with China directly in yuan than in dollars—reshaping Latin America’s financial ties.

This chart shows the share of trade each country now settles in Chinese yuan—revealing where this currency is gaining real traction.

3. BRICS: A Bloc with Bold Currency Plans

The BRICS nations (🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦) have grown tired of dollar rules. Together they hold serious global sway—about 40% of the world’s population and 30% of its GDP. They’re now floating the idea of a shared currency, possibly backed by gold or a blend of their own national currencies.

This is less about monetary policy and more about geopolitical independence. Russia, in particular, is championing the idea as a way to break away from Western-dominated finance.

But building a shared currency is no small feat—especially with such different economies and politics involved.

🔎 Insight for the globally minded:
If you’re invested in emerging markets—or considering them—watch BRICS carefully. New regional payment systems could create opportunities in trade, commodities, and infrastructure projects with less dollar exposure.

📌 Watch this space: Saudi Arabia and Iran joined BRICS in 2023—hinting at a broader coalition that could rewrite regional power dynamics.

Here is how much trade each BRICS nation conducts in its own currency—hinting at how serious they are about reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar:

4. Gold’s Quiet Comeback

Gold isn’t dead—it’s just been quiet. And lately, it’s speaking volumes. Central banks from 🇹🇷 Turkey to 🇨🇳 China are snapping it up, buying over 1,100 tonnes in 2022—the most since 1950.

Why the sudden shine? Gold doesn’t rely on the political whims of any nation. It’s immune to sanctions. It’s portable value. For some, it’s the ultimate hedge against a shifting dollar world.

Even retail investors are warming up, especially those seeking tangible stores of value in uncertain times.

📊 If you're thinking defensively:
For retirees or long-term savers, gold can act as insurance in a multipolar currency world. It may not produce yield, but it can protect against volatility and currency erosion.

🌟 Noteworthy shift: Central bank gold reserves are now the highest they’ve been since the collapse of the gold standard in 1971.

The chart below shows how much gold top central banks added to their reserves in 2022—highlighting the quiet return to hard assets amid global uncertainty.

5. Digital Currencies: The New Face of Sovereignty

Imagine a world where countries control every cross-border payment—instantly. That’s the idea behind CBDCs (central bank digital currencies). Over 130 countries are exploring them, including giants like 🇮🇳 India and 🇪🇺 the EU.

CBDCs allow governments to track and settle trade directly, without the dollar or even traditional banks. That could weaken the greenback’s grip on global flows.

For consumers, CBDCs could change how we pay, save, and transfer money across borders—fast, secure, and (maybe) cheaper.

🌐 Something to consider:
In a world with more CBDCs, international transactions could become faster and less expensive—great news if you live abroad, invest globally, or support family overseas.

⏳ Foresight alert: The IMF expects most countries to issue a digital currency by 2027. The race is on.

This chart shows how far along each country is in rolling out digital currencies—spotlighting who’s leading the charge in this financial tech frontier.

6. The Euro: Still in the Game

The euro (🇪🇺) might not grab headlines, but it quietly holds second place in global reserves and is the standard across much of Europe, Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

It faces hurdles: political fragmentation, inflation battles, and uneven fiscal policies. But it’s stable—and backed by strong institutions. The upcoming digital euro could also boost adoption across emerging markets.

For those seeking retirement or investment options in Europe, the euro remains a relatively safe and predictable currency.

🪙 Considering a European base?
Planning to live or invest in Europe? The euro offers stability without full dollar dependence. Plus, it’s pegged to dozens of other currencies—broadening your financial reach.

🧭 Little-known stat: More than 50 countries peg their currency to the euro—not the dollar.

Below are the countries and regions that use or peg their currencies to the euro—showing its wide but often quiet influence beyond the EU.

7. Will the Dollar Actually Fall?

Let’s be real: the dollar isn’t disappearing. Not anytime soon. Its dominance may erode, but its depth, liquidity, and trust still make it the planet’s safe haven currency. That said, the era of only the dollar is ending.

The future likely holds a mixed bag: regional currencies, digital tools, and multiple “reserve hubs.” That’s more complexity—but also more flexibility.

🔍 Key takeaway for your future planning:
Diversify your finances. If your wealth, income, or future is tied to one currency, now’s the time to explore broader strategies—foreign holdings, multi-currency accounts, or even relocation options in stable economies.

📊 Big picture fact: In 2024, 88% of all global forex transactions involved the dollar. It’s shrinking—just slowly.

This chart shows how often each major currency appears in global forex trades—revealing just how dominant the dollar still is, despite the noise.

Well, the world is getting ready for life beyond the dollar. That doesn’t mean panic—it means preparation. A multipolar currency world can open doors for savvy individuals: smarter investments, more retirement options, even greater financial independence.

Stay curious, stay strategic—and keep your compass pointed toward insight.

Warm regards,
Shane Fulmer
Founder, WorldPopulationReview.com