美元霸权让美国国债持续扩张

Core Viewpoint - The expansion of U.S. national debt is supported by the dominance of the U.S. dollar, which remains strong as long as dollar credit is intact, leading to a significant increase in national debt levels, surpassing $38 trillion for the first time in history [1][11]. Group 1: U.S. National Debt Expansion - The U.S. national debt has grown at an unprecedented rate, accumulating at approximately $69,713.82 per second over the past year, marking the fastest increase outside of the COVID-19 pandemic period [1]. - As of October, the U.S. national debt reached over $38 trillion, following a previous milestone of $37 trillion in August [1]. - The U.S. government currently holds over 40% of the total global sovereign debt, surpassing the combined economic sizes of China, Japan, Germany, and the UK [5]. Group 2: Historical Context of Dollar Dominance - The Bretton Woods system established the U.S. dollar as the world's dominant currency post-World War II, replacing the British pound and leading to the creation of a global dollar system [2][3]. - The dollar's value was initially tied to gold, but significant military expenditures during the Korean and Vietnam Wars led to its devaluation and the eventual decoupling from gold [2][3]. - The establishment of the "petrodollar" system in the 1970s, where oil transactions were conducted in dollars, further solidified the dollar's global dominance [3]. Group 3: Mechanisms Supporting Debt Expansion - The Federal Reserve's control over dollar issuance and its ability to conduct quantitative easing (QE) have been crucial in supporting the U.S. national debt market, ensuring liquidity and preventing defaults [6][8]. - The Fed's purchasing of government bonds during economic downturns allows it to maintain a stable market for U.S. debt, preventing issues such as auction failures or price drops [6]. - The digitalization of the dollar through stablecoins has opened new channels for dollar issuance, further reinforcing the demand for U.S. debt as these stablecoins are often backed by U.S. Treasury securities [7]. Group 4: Global Demand for U.S. Debt - The U.S. dollar accounts for 56.3% of global foreign exchange reserves, and its dominance in international trade and finance makes U.S. debt a preferred asset for many countries [8][9]. - Countries with trade surpluses, particularly in East Asia and oil-exporting nations, are significant holders of U.S. debt, using it as a tool for balancing their foreign exchange markets [9]. - The U.S. financial market's sophistication allows for effective external financing, with national debt serving as a mechanism to recycle dollars back into the economy [9]. Group 5: Credit and Value of the Dollar - The stability of the dollar's value and its creditworthiness are key factors in its continued acceptance as a global reserve currency, with the Fed's monetary policies ensuring a controlled supply of dollars [11][12]. - The relationship between the credit of the dollar and U.S. debt is positive; as long as the dollar maintains its credit, the expansion of U.S. debt will continue smoothly [11][12]. - The absence of defaults or payment delays on U.S. debt reinforces its credibility, ensuring ongoing demand from both domestic and international investors [11].