美元、日元不行了？下一个避险货币或正在路上

Core Viewpoint - In uncertain times, investors are turning to safe-haven assets such as gold, U.S. Treasury bonds, and currencies like the yen, dollar, and Swiss franc, which are expected to retain or increase value during market turmoil. However, the Singapore dollar is emerging as a potential new alternative safe-haven currency [1]. Group 1: Singapore Dollar as a Safe-Haven Currency - Analysts suggest that the Singapore dollar (SGD) is acting as a "quasi-safe-haven" currency, particularly within Asia and emerging markets, despite not having the same global status as traditional safe-haven currencies [1]. - The SGD has appreciated approximately 6% against the U.S. dollar this year, with Jefferies predicting it may reach parity with the dollar within the next five years [1]. - Singapore's strong institutional framework, resilient economic base, and robust policy-making, especially in fiscal prudence, contribute to the SGD's potential as a safe haven [1]. Group 2: Monetary Policy and Stability - Singapore's monetary policy framework provides "extraordinary stability" to the SGD, which is sought after by safe-haven funds. Unlike most countries, Singapore manages its currency through a policy band rather than interest rates, allowing the SGD to fluctuate within a set range [2]. - The estimated width of this policy band is around 4%, which limits volatility and provides more certainty in the short term [2]. Group 3: Challenges to Global Acceptance - Despite the positive trajectory, the SGD faces challenges in becoming a widely accepted global safe-haven currency, primarily due to the small size of its market. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) reported that the SGD accounted for only 2% of the foreign exchange market, compared to 88% for the U.S. dollar [3]. - The managed nature of Singapore's currency policy, while providing stability, also restricts market speculation and large position builds, limiting liquidity and depth, which are critical characteristics sought by investors in a true global safe haven [3]. - Singapore's economy is heavily reliant on exports, with exports projected to account for 178.8% of GDP in 2024, which may also pose challenges for the SGD's global standing [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts believe that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) may not want the SGD to appreciate excessively, as this could undermine Singapore's competitiveness [4]. - The SGD could play a significant role in diversifying currency risk, with potential to be viewed as "Asia's Swiss franc" over time, although it may not reach the status of the yen or dollar [4]. - The establishment of a safe-haven status typically requires decades of crisis response behavior, and while the SGD has performed well during Asian economic downturns, it has not yet become the preferred safe haven during global economic slowdowns [4].