### Summary
Many developing countries are frustrated with the dominance of the US dollar in the global financial system and are seeking alternatives, but no concrete proposals have emerged. The dollar's influence can destabilize economies and impose financial sanctions on adversaries. However, the alternatives to the dollar have not gained enough traction, and the dollar remains the most-used currency in global business.
### Facts
- The strength of the US dollar against the Nigerian currency has made imported goods, like garments, unaffordable for local consumers.
- The BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with other emerging market countries, are meeting to express their grievances about the dominance of the dollar in the global financial system.
- The BRICS countries have discussed expanding trade in their own currencies to reduce reliance on the dollar.
- The US dollar is the most-used currency in global business and has shrugged off past challenges to its preeminence.
- The alternatives to the dollar, such as the euro and China's yuan, have not gained enough international gravitas.
- The dollar's influence can impose financial sanctions and destabilize economies.
- Many developing countries, like Kenya and Zimbabwe, have expressed their frustrations with the dollar and are seeking alternatives.
- Despite the frustrations, the dollar still has its supporters and is seen as a stabilizing force in some economies.
### Summary
The strength of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, such as the Nigerian naira and Zimbabwean dollar, has made it difficult for local consumers to buy foreign goods, leading to economic troubles in these countries.
### Facts
- 💰 The strength of the U.S. dollar has pushed the price of foreign goods beyond the reach of local consumers in Nigeria.
- 💸 Many developing countries are unhappy with the dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global financial system.
- 🌍 The BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will discuss their grievances against the dollar at a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- 💵 The alternatives to the U.S. dollar, such as the euro and China's yuan, have not been able to rival its dominance.
- 🇦🇷 In Argentina, a presidential candidate is calling for the U.S. dollar to replace the country's troubled peso.
- 💼 In Zimbabwe, the U.S. dollar is widely used in transactions due to the instability of the Zimbabwean dollar.
- 💸 Vendors in Zimbabwe are even mending damaged U.S. dollar bills for a small fee due to a shortage.
### Credit
By: Dionne Searcey and Constant Méheut
Source: The Washington Post
The South African rand weakened ahead of the BRICS summit and monthly inflation figures.
The South African rand weakened ahead of the BRICS summit and monthly inflation figures.
The South African rand weakened as the dollar rebounded and credit extension in the country slowed more than expected.
The South African rand weakened due to the country experiencing the worst power cuts on record and ahead of the release of second quarter GDP data.
The South African rand remains steady ahead of interest rate announcements, with analysts expecting rates to be kept unchanged but with a hawkish outlook due to concerns of inflation and higher oil prices.
The South African rand traded slightly higher against the US dollar as the weakening of the greenback supported risk sentiment, following a few days of weakness for the rand.
The South African rand weakened due to violence in the Middle East and anticipation of the release of national census data, which will provide insights into the country's economy and high unemployment levels.
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