For the most part I don't notice when the dollar is weak or strong. Unless I’m travelling it just doesn't register with the prices of things I buy. Economics isn't my best subject, so I can't really say why. Maybe it is the pegged Yuan, or the fact that oil is priced in dollars? Maybe I’m just unobservant?
But the falling dollar doesn't just affect those travelling abroad or buying European stocks. It also affects those who depend on remittances. The Phillipine peso has been rising against the dollar, and families who count on remittances for their income will lose between 3,800 and 6,000 pesos a month (about 100-160 dollars on an estimated average family remittance income of 350-400 dollars). That's a pretty significant decrease in purchasing power.
Armenia is also complaining that the appreciation of the Dram against the dollar is hurting their economy.
This example shows that foreign assistance isn't simply a matter of giving money. The trade, military, environmental, and basic economic choices that a wealthy country makes affect those in poorer countries as well. This is especially true for a superpower. Good global citizenship matters.
