The dollar began this 2022, the year of presidential elections, slightly above 4,100 pesos. The day following Gustavo Petro’s victory it was at 3,904 pesosbut then experienced some rises that made the United States currency reach its maximum historical value until now: 4.665 pesos.
The above, which happened on July 12, was preceded by another record and the highest percentage variation of the year; From July 8 to 11, the dollar rose 3.95% and thus surpassed the barrier of 4,500 pesos for the first time. Later, between ups and downs, the currency began August hovering around 4,300 pesos.
This scenario has raised different doubts in Colombians. On the one hand, questions arise regarding the reasons behind this uptrend and, on the other hand, many do not know what actions to take regarding the purchase or sale of dollars due to the constant fluctuations.
In this sense, in Pulzo we interviewed the economist from the Universidad del Rosario and financial analyst at Genttly Investment Group Roberto Zuñiga, who shed light on this problem.
Zuñiga explained that, since many basic necessities come in dollars, the prices of what we buy daily are seriously affected. Likewise, he clarified that the rise in the dollar is not something that is happening only in Colombia.
“This is a global phenomenon. Many economies worldwide are suffering from this phenomenon and one of the reasons is the increase in interest rates by the United States Federal Reserve. By increasing interest rates, the yields on United States bonds increase and that makes investors take their capital out of our country to invest in said bonds,” the expert said.
On another of the reasons for the rise in the dollar, Zuñiga mentioned the election as president of Gustavo Petro, “which has generated uncertainty in the financial markets”.
One way to take advantage of this uncertainty regarding what the new president will do is save in dollars . In that order of ideas, Zuñiga gave options to carry out this process, such as digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. See everything he said in the following video:
Additionally, we consulted the economic analyst Andres Moreno Jaramilloregarding the key questions they saw in the previous video, and agreed on several points with Zuñiga.
How to understand the price of the dollar and the impact on the economy?
According to Moreno, a high dollar has more negative than positive consequences. However, he was in charge of clarifying both situations.
- Who benefits? The exporters, who are selling and are receiving a lot of money. Colombians who earn in dollars or who have income distributed abroad, people who receive remittances and foreigners who come for tourism also benefit.
- Who is affected? Importers, because bringing merchandise will be much more expensive and selling them on the rise is very complicated. Also people who have credits abroad. The Government too, because it is more difficult to pay the external debt. Likewise, those who have insurance or maintain relatives abroad are affected. Also those who want to travel to other countries.
“Colombians have lost a large amount of purchasing power due to the rise in the dollar,” said the expert.
Why is the dollar rising in Colombia?
The dollar rises due to internal and external factors. Below is a list of the reasons, said by Moreno, that explain the rise in the currency due to local issues:
- Tension of political change.
- Little foreign investment.
- Colombians withdrawing their money to invest it in other currencies.
“Until the new government provides confidence, investments will not enter and the dollar will remain on the rise,” said the economist.
By the way, the Petro minhacienda spoke regarding what will affect the economy in the country.
On the other hand, an example of an external factor for the rise in the dollar is the one that Zuñiga mentioned earlier. Moreno said that “the United States has raised interest rates and has become a better market to invest in.” Therefore, all currencies are devaluing once morest the dollar.
How to save in dollars in Colombia?
For Moreno, the easiest way is to go to an exchange house and continually buy amounts. Additionally, he pointed out that they do not have to be large sums, but they should be done periodically.
“Another way is through investment funds. In voluntary pensions there are funds that invest in fixed income in the United States and that are valued or devalued depending on the rise in the dollar. You can have portfolios that are positively affected when the dollar goes up,” he said.
What is happening with the price of the dollar in Latin America?
According to the economic analyst, “the price of this currency has increased throughout the world. In Latin America there is a greater aversion to risk among investors and that is why this phenomenon is taking place. The political situation also influences a lot. An example of this is Argentina.
