Ray Dalio Warns All Fiat Currencies Are In 'Trouble,' Says 'Money Is Debt' and Predicts a Major Devaluation Cycle - Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:QQQ), SPDR S&P 500 (ARCA:SPY)

Core Viewpoint - Billionaire investor Ray Dalio warns that all major fiat currencies are "in trouble" due to unsustainable debt levels, predicting significant currency devaluation similar to historical periods in the 1930s and 1970s [1][2]. Currency Devaluation Mechanics - Dalio emphasizes that "money is debt," explaining that fiat currency represents a promise to receive payment. As governments accumulate unsustainable debt, such as the United States' $38 trillion, they are compelled to devalue their currency to manage these liabilities [2][3]. - Developed nations are trapped in a cycle where raising taxes or cutting spending sufficiently to balance budgets could lead to social unrest, leading policymakers to print more money, which dilutes currency value [3]. Structural Economic Challenges - This issue is not limited to the U.S.; similar dynamics are observed in the UK and France, where the political cost of austerity is deemed too high. The UK's instability, evidenced by the turnover of four prime ministers in five years, highlights the economic pressures faced [4]. Shift to Gold - As confidence in fiat currencies diminishes, central banks are increasingly selling debt-based assets and purchasing gold, which Dalio describes as the "oldest money" and a non-liability asset. This shift is seen as a defensive strategy against impending devaluation of paper money [6]. - The U.S. Dollar Index Spot has decreased by 9.63% year-to-date, while Gold Spot has reached $4,550.11 per ounce, marking a 67.25% increase over the year [7]. ETF Performance - Performance data for dollar ETFs shows varied results, with the Invesco DB U.S. Dollar Index Bullish Fund down 9.07% year-to-date, while the Invesco DB U.S. Dollar Index Bearish Fund has gained 10.25% [8].