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Commodity prices and the US dollar

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  • Rees, Daniel M.

Abstract

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic rising commodity prices went hand-in-hand with a strengthening US dollar. This was a sharp contrast to the usual relationship between commodity prices and the dollar. This paper presents evidence that post-Covid correlation patterns could become more common in the future. This conclusion rests on two observations. First, the US dollar exhibits a close and stable relationship with the US terms of trade. Second, the United States’ shift from being a net oil importer to a net oil exporter means that higher commodity prices now tend to raise the US terms of trade, rather than lowering them. Changes in the relationship between commodity prices and the US dollar will have implications for commodity exporters and importers alike.

Suggested Citation

  • Rees, Daniel M., 2025. "Commodity prices and the US dollar," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:157:y:2025:i:c:s0022199625000704
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104114
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    3. Nikolaos T. Milonas & Evangelia K. Photina, 2024. "The convenience yield under commodity financialization," Journal of Futures Markets, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 44(4), pages 631-652, April.
    4. Ashima Goyal, 2023. "India's exchange rate regime under inflation targeting," Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai Working Papers 2023-015, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India.

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    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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