EFFECT OF BRICS ON DOLLAR

For decades, the U.S. dollar has reigned supreme as the world's reserve currency, the undisputed king of global finance.From oil transactions to cross-border payments, the greenback has been the go-to currency.But the winds of change are blowing.The rise of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates – is presenting a potential challenge to the dollar's dominance. By lessening their reliance on the dollar, BRICS countries might avoid the severe effects of Western sanctions and gain greater control over their own economic future. During many decades the U.S. dollar established dominance as the global reserve currency because of transparency alongside stability and market dynamics in American financialFueled by geopolitical tensions, a desire for economic sovereignty, and frustrations with Western financial systems, the BRICS bloc is actively exploring ways to reduce their reliance on the dollar, a process often referred to as de-dollarization. The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies is holding its fifteenth summit later this month. Up for discussion: an expansion of the bloc, greater use of local currencies and the possibility of a BRICS currency which may have the potential to challenge the dominance of the US dollar.This exploration includes discussions of a common BRICS currency and alternative payment systems. Should the BRICS nations establish a new reserve currency, it would likely significantly impact the US dollar, potentially leading to a decline in demand, or what's known asBut what *is* the potential effect of BRICS on the dollar, and how could this shift impact the global economy, the United States, and your investments?This article will delve into the heart of this complex issue, examining the potential consequences, the challenges involved, and the future of the global financial landscape.

Understanding BRICS and Its De-Dollarization Agenda

The BRICS nations represent a significant portion of the global economy, holding considerable economic and political clout. For decades, the United States dollar (USD) has been at the core of global finance, powering transactions from trade in oil to everyday cross-border payments. Now, a grouping named BRICS formed originally by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa has expanded in January 2025 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This bloc, sometimes known asTheir collective desire to reduce reliance on the US dollar stems from several key factors:

• Geopolitical tensions: Growing tensions between the West and Russia, along with perceived unfairness in the global financial system, are driving the push for alternatives.
• Economic sovereignty: BRICS nations want greater control over their economic destinies and seek to minimize their vulnerability to US economic policies and sanctions.
• Reduced transaction costs: Using local currencies for trade within the BRICS bloc could lower transaction costs and boost intra-BRICS trade.

The BRICS de-dollarization agenda is multi-faceted and includes several initiatives:

• Promoting local currency trade: Encouraging the use of BRICS member currencies in trade transactions, bypassing the US dollar.
• Developing alternative payment systems: Creating payment systems that do not rely on the SWIFT network, which is dominated by Western financial institutions.
• Establishing a BRICS currency: The most ambitious proposal, this would involve creating a common currency for the BRICS bloc, potentially challenging the dollar's status as the primary reserve currency.

The Potential Impact of a BRICS Currency on the US Dollar

The creation of a BRICS currency, while facing significant hurdles, could have profound implications for the US dollar.The primary concern is a potential decrease in demand for the dollar, leading to a phenomenon known as de-dollarization.

Decreased Demand for the US Dollar

If BRICS nations begin conducting trade and investment in a common currency, they would need fewer US dollars.This reduced demand could lead to:

• Dollar devaluation: A decrease in demand for the dollar could weaken its value against other currencies.
• Increased borrowing costs for the US: A weaker dollar could make it more expensive for the US to borrow money internationally.
• Reduced US influence in global finance: A decline in the dollar's status could diminish the US's ability to influence global financial policies.

Impact on US Trade and Investment

A weaker dollar could have both positive and negative effects on US trade and investment:

• Increased exports: A weaker dollar would make US goods and services more competitive in international markets, potentially boosting exports.
• Decreased imports: Imports would become more expensive, potentially leading to a decrease in import volume.
• Impact on foreign investment: The effect on foreign investment is less clear-cut, as it depends on various factors, including interest rates and economic growth prospects.

Ripple Effects on the Global Economy

The consequences of de-dollarization could extend beyond the US, impacting the global economy in several ways:

• Increased currency volatility: A shift away from the dollar could lead to greater volatility in exchange rates.
• Emergence of new financial centers: The rise of BRICS currencies could lead to the emergence of new financial centers outside the US and Europe.
• Increased geopolitical uncertainty: A change in the global financial order could exacerbate geopolitical tensions and lead to increased instability.

The Challenges of Creating a BRICS Currency

Despite the potential benefits of a BRICS currency, significant challenges stand in the way of its creation. The U.S. dollar remains the world's primary reserve currency, and neither the euro nor the so-called BRICS countries have been able to reduce global reliance on the dollar, a new study by theThese challenges include:

Economic Disparities and Coordination Issues

The BRICS nations have vastly different economic structures, levels of development, and monetary policies.Coordinating these diverse economies to create a stable and credible currency would be a complex undertaking. This month, the BRICS nations will meet to discuss, among other matters, a new currency that will rival the US dollar as the global reserve standard (Wu Hong/AFP via Getty Images) During the 2025 BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the bloc was working to create an international reserve currency . This will againThe European Union provides a cautionary tale.The Eurozone crisis highlighted the difficulties of managing a single currency with divergent economic policies and fiscal responsibilities.The experiences of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain (often referred to as the PIIGS) demonstrate the potential for economic instability within a currency union.

Political Considerations and Trust

Building trust and consensus among the BRICS nations, which have varying political systems and strategic interests, would be crucial for the success of a common currency.Political disagreements and a lack of trust could undermine the currency's credibility and stability.

The Dollar's Entrenched Dominance

The US dollar has been the world's reserve currency for decades, and its dominance is deeply entrenched. How the BRICS Currency Could Affect the US Dollar. The BRICS currency could significantly alter the landscape of global finance, especially in its impact on the US dollar. Decreased US Dollar Demand. The US dollar has been the world s reserve currency for decades. It is used in the majority of global trade, particularly for oil, commoditiesThe dollar is widely used in international trade, investment, and central bank reserves. Calls for a global shift away from dollar dominance are not new, nor are they unique to BRICS, but experts say recent geopolitical shifts and growing tensions between the West and Russia andOvercoming this entrenched dominance would require a significant and sustained effort from the BRICS nations.

Alternative Payment Systems and the Role of the Renminbi

Beyond a common currency, the BRICS nations are also exploring alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on the dollar.This includes:

• Developing their own payment networks: Creating payment systems that bypass the SWIFT network.
• Promoting the use of local currencies: Encouraging the use of BRICS member currencies in trade transactions.
• Expanding renminbi swap lines: China has been actively promoting the use of the renminbi (CNY) through currency swap agreements with other countries.

The Chinese renminbi is emerging as a potential alternative to the US dollar, particularly in emerging markets.However, the renminbi still faces several challenges, including:

• Capital controls: China's capital controls limit the convertibility of the renminbi, hindering its wider adoption.
• Transparency concerns: Concerns about transparency and regulatory oversight in China's financial system may deter some investors.
• Limited issuance of panda bonds: The limited issuance of panda bonds (renminbi-denominated bonds issued by foreign entities in China) restricts the availability of renminbi-denominated assets.

BRICS Expansion and Shifting Global Dynamics

The recent expansion of the BRICS bloc to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates further complicates the picture.This expansion:

• Increases the bloc's economic and political influence: The addition of these countries significantly expands the BRICS's share of global GDP and trade.
• Diversifies the bloc's interests and priorities: The expanded BRICS bloc has a more diverse range of interests and priorities, potentially making it more difficult to reach consensus on key issues.
• Strengthens the de-dollarization movement: The inclusion of countries like Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, could accelerate the shift away from the dollar in commodity trade.

The Dollar's Resilience: Why De-Dollarization is Not a Foregone Conclusion

Despite the challenges to the dollar's dominance, it is important to recognize its resilience.The dollar benefits from:

• Deep and liquid financial markets: The US has the world's deepest and most liquid financial markets, making it an attractive destination for investors.
• A strong legal and regulatory framework: The US has a well-established legal and regulatory framework that provides a stable and predictable environment for businesses and investors.
• A history of stability and credibility: The US dollar has a long history of stability and credibility, which has earned it the trust of investors and central banks around the world.

Furthermore, Russia's own experience highlights the complexities of shifting away from the dollar. A few days before the 16th BRICS Summit got underway in Kazan in October, Russia, the organizers of this key conclave advised attendees to bring along U.S. dollars and euros as Russian banksDespite its geopolitical aversion to the dollar and efforts to promote alternative currencies, Russia reportedly advised attendees of a recent BRICS summit to bring US dollars and euros, indicating the continued practical necessity of these currencies in international transactions.

What Should Investors Do?

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the global financial system, investors should consider the following:

• Diversify their portfolios: Diversifying across different asset classes and currencies can help mitigate risk.
• Consider investments in emerging markets: Emerging markets, including the BRICS nations, offer potential growth opportunities.
• Monitor geopolitical developments: Keep a close eye on geopolitical developments and their potential impact on the global financial system.
• Consult with a financial advisor: Seek professional advice to develop a personalized investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Future Outlook: A Multipolar Financial World?

While a complete dethroning of the US dollar is unlikely in the near future, the efforts of the BRICS nations and other countries to reduce reliance on the dollar could lead to a more multipolar financial world. Should the BRICS nations establish a new reserve currency, it would likely significantly impact the US dollar, potentially leading to a decline in demand, or what's known as de-dollarization. In turn, this would have implications for the United States and global economies.This would involve:

• A decline in the dollar's share of global reserves: Central banks may gradually reduce their holdings of US dollars in favor of other currencies.
• The rise of regional currencies: Regional currencies, such as the renminbi and a potential BRICS currency, could play a more prominent role in regional trade and investment.
• Increased competition among currencies: The dollar, euro, renminbi, and other currencies would compete for influence in the global financial system.

Conclusion: Navigating the Shifting Sands of Global Finance

The effect of BRICS on the dollar is a complex and evolving issue with potentially far-reaching consequences. The BRICS countries have been pursuing a wide range of initiatives to decrease their dependence on the dollar. Over the past year, Russia, China and Brazil have turned to greater use of non-dollarWhile the creation of a BRICS currency faces significant challenges, the bloc's efforts to reduce reliance on the dollar are gaining momentum.Whether it's through a unified currency, alternative payment systems, or the increased use of local currencies, the trend toward de-dollarization is undeniable. A BRICS currency would provide a powerful alternative to the US dollar, enabling member nations to bypass the dollar in trade transactions entirely. This potential currency could serve as a symbol of BRICS commitment to reducing the dominance of the US-based financial system and provide a more equitable foundation for global trade.The US dollar will likely remain a dominant force for the foreseeable future, but its share of the global financial pie may gradually shrink as other currencies gain prominence.The key for investors and policymakers alike is to understand these shifting dynamics and adapt accordingly.Embracing diversification, monitoring geopolitical developments, and seeking expert advice are crucial steps in navigating the evolving landscape of global finance. By pooling financial resources and offering loans denominated in local currencies, these institutions aim to promote economic cooperation among BRICS members while decreasing reliance on dollar-based financing mechanisms. 4 The European Union Parliament has analyzed the establishment of the NDB and the CRA by BRICS nations as part of their deUltimately, the rise of BRICS and its de-dollarization agenda signals a potential shift towards a more multipolar financial world, one where the dollar faces increasing competition and the balance of economic power continues to evolve.