The Dollar's Effect on Stocks, Rising Shipping Rates impact and Our Gift Guide
By:James Melton
The U.S. dollar remains the world’s top reserve currency. As a result of that status, changes in the value of the dollar can reverberate to other parts of the global financial markets. As a result of the greenback’s key role in the global economy, the value of the dollar—as well as the narrative surrounding it—can heavily influence other areas of the financial markets.
The S&P 500 was up about 14% during the last two months of 2023, but is only up about 3.5% year-to-date in 2024. If the dollar continues to climb, it may represent a continuing headwind for stock prices. Under that scenario, U.S. exports would undoubtedly lose some of their luster. Read the whole story.
Shipping activity in the Suez Canal has dropped precipitously because of the terrorist attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal traditionally handles the bulk of the commercial shipping traffic between Europe and Asia. But now, many global marine shipping companies have adapted by detouring around the Cape of Good Hope, which has added extra costs to the Europe-Asia corridor. It’s estimated that a container ship needs an extra 20 days to go around the Cape of Good Hope, compared to the direct route through the Suez Canal. That extra time adds costs, especially fuel costs.
Those rising freight rates have boosted the fortunes of the marine shipping sector, pushing many marine shipping stocks higher. Read the whole story.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, this is an excellent time to check out our favorite gift items. It includes items to help level up your brain, your body, your bar and your home base. Among the featured items are a new-to-America Glenglassaugh single malt whisky, AI-powered sunglasses and a solar-powered smart bird feeder. Take a look at the whole list.
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James Melton is managing editor of Luckbox magazine. @JDMeltonWriter
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