Media OutReach
Octa Broker Analysis: Why the U.S. Dollar is Struggling Amid Global Trade Turmoil
The U.S. dollar (USD), the buck or the greenback, as it is often informally referred to, has long occupied a rather exclusive position in global finance. Ever since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Bretton Woods monetary system, the greenback has played a crucial role in facilitating cross-border transactions and smoothing international trade flows, in addition to serving as a primary reserve currency for central banks around the world. Being the official currency of the world’s largest economy, the United States, has certainly helped the dollar maintain its dominant position. Indeed, the sheer size of the U.S. economy, its deep and liquid financial markets, strong private property rights and the rule of law enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and last but not least, the unrivalled power of the U.S. military, made the dollar the most trusted global currency. As a result, the greenback became what market participants call ‘a safe-haven currency’, a refuge for investors during times of macroeconomic uncertainty or market turmoil. Most recently, however, the instability in global financial markets triggered by rising trade tariffs and exacerbated by fears of a global recession seems to have upended this narrative, undermining the dollar’s established role.
Trade tensions
The U.S. dollar has been depreciating almost relentlessly since mid-January. In just three and a half months, the Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the greenback relative to a basket of six major foreign currencies, including the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc, lost more than 10% in value (from 13 January high to 21 April low). On 11 April, it breached the critical 100.00 level, and although it has since increased slightly, it remains by far the worst-performing currency among other major currencies this year so far. This decline has raised an important question: Is the U.S. dollar losing its safe-haven status, or is it merely a temporary setback.
The catalyst for the dollar’s slide is rooted in the escalating trade tensions, particularly the aggressive tariff policies enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, the U.S. imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with much steeper duties imposed on key trading partners like China, which, in turn, retaliated with its own 125% levies on U.S. goods. These moves have stoked fears of a global recession, as international supply chains may get disrupted with potentially devastating consequences for the world economy. Historically, such uncertainty would bolster the dollar, as investors seek the safety of U.S. assets. However, this time around, the greenback is faltering, while alternative safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc (CHF) and Japanese yen (JPY) are gaining ground.
Hedging
Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, says that the U.S. dollar’s recent weakness is driven by a diversification shift among investors into alternative safe-haven currencies, motivated by risk-hedging and fears over the growth prospects of the U.S. economy. ‘We are witnessing a major reallocation of capital. Market participants realise that in a trade war, there are no winners. In the short term, the U.S. economy will face the consequences, and they will not be pretty. Big players with large investments in the U.S. realised they needed to hedge their currency risk, so they moved into the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen. Also, higher tariffs are fuelling recession fears, so traders have increased their bets on additional rate cuts by the Fed [Federal Reserve]. That too had a bearish effect on the greenback’.
Indeed, on April 21, USDCHF dropped below the 0.80500 mark, the level unseen in almost 14 years, while USDJPY was hovering near the critical 140.00 area, a drop below which will open the way towards new multi-year lows. Significant shifts in capital flow allocations have prompted some analysts to conclude that the U.S. dollar is facing a crisis of confidence. However, Octa analysts have a different view and believe that the current situation doesn’t reflect a broad erosion of investors’ long-term trust in the U.S. dollar. Kar Yong Ang said: ‘The issue isn’t so much a fundamental loss of faith in the U.S. dollar’s long-term prospects. What we are witnessing right now is a dramatic, yet logical response to the probable economic implications of Donald Trump’s trade policies. You have an administration, which is effectively re-structuring the global trade order, that does not conceal its dissatisfaction with the Fed and apparently believes in a weak dollar. If you’re a foreign investor in the U.S., you simply cannot afford to be unhedged these days. But also, let’s not forget that the greenback has been falling from relatively high levels, so a healthy downward correction was long overdue’. In other words, the recent slide in the U.S. dollar is not an unusual phenomenon or an anomaly; it is quite natural and probably a short-term occurrence. In fact, even after an 11% drop in 2025, the greenback is still some 38% above its historical low set in 2008. Furthermore, it is clear that once key global actors adopt more conciliatory diplomatic rhetoric and engage in active trade negotiations, the situation will normalise immediately.
Conclusion
As for the dollar’s long-term prospects, its dominant status will likely continue to be challenged, but no single currency can take its crown for now. According to the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), the U.S. dollar still accounts for nearly 88% of international transactions, and its dominance in Forex markets remains unmatched, with daily trading volumes dwarfing those of the yen or franc. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than half (57.8%) of the $12.4 trillion in global foreign exchange reserves were in U.S. dollars. Therefore, while the greenback may not be the automatic refuge it once was, its role as a Forex cornerstone endures for now.
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Hashtag: #octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively
Media OutReach
YF Life Clinches Hong Kong Economic Journal’s “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award Once Again
Driving Sustainable Long-Term Value for Clients via the Innovative “Invesurance” Philosophy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – YF Life Insurance International Limited (YF Life) has once again been recognized at the Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) Insurance Excellence Awards 2026, clinching the prestigious “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award1. This accolade reaffirms YF Life’s leadership in insurance investment landscape, underscoring the company’s success in leveraging systematic asset allocation to generate long-term value for clients for its clients through its unique “Invesurance” (Insurance + Investment) philosophy.
Mr. Dennis Luk, Chief Investment Officer of YF Life, stated: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. At the core of YF Life’s investment strategy is the profound integration of ‘insurance’ and ‘investment’. Moving beyond traditional models, we utilize a dynamic, multi-asset allocation framework that spans fixed income, public equities, and private markets. Under our ‘1+N’ architecture, we partner with Barings2 to manage high-quality bond portfolios, while simultaneously collaborating with leading global asset management institutions to deploy capital across private equity and alternative investments. This strategic approach optimizes risk-adjusted returns and effectively mitigates market volatility.”
YF Life’s financial strength continues to be validated by leading international rating agencies. Following eight consecutive years of receiving an “A-” (Strong) Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating from Fitch, YF Life has also secured its “A3” Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) from Moody’s. These milestones are a testament to YF Life’s robust financial position, prudent capital management, and stringent risk-control capabilities.
Looking ahead, YF Life remains committed to deepening its “Invesurance” philosophy. The company will continue to focus on delivering sustainable and stable asset growth for clients, further building a forward-looking and resilient wealth management blueprint.
Organized by the Hong Kong Economic Journal, the Insurance Excellence Awards aim to honor outstanding enterprises within the insurance sector, recognizing industry peers who consistently innovate and enhance the quality of their products and services. This year, more than 10 awards were presented following a rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of professional judges.
Notes:
[1] https://features.hkej.com/template/features/html/isa2026/index.html
[2] https://www.barings.com/en-hk/guest
Hashtag: #YFLife
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Singapore Institute of Management: Student Life and Campus Communities Becoming a Key Deciding Factor in Higher Education
This shift reflects a broader trend across the sector, where institutions are being evaluated not only on academic outcomes, but also on their ability to provide holistic student experiences that support mental wellbeing, social integration, and career readiness.
At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), student engagement has become a central pillar of the learning experience, with a wide network of student led clubs and communities designed to support both personal and professional development.
A Growing Priority: Belonging and Wellbeing
Industry observations indicate that students, particularly those transitioning from secondary education or arriving from overseas, often face challenges such as social isolation, cultural adjustment, and limited peer support networks. Research also highlights that being away from familiar support systems and adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be an isolating process, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced perceived social support
To address this, SIM has developed a structured student life ecosystem supported by its Student Development initiatives and programmes such as Project1095, which emphasises learning beyond the classroom and holistic growth. With close to 80 student clubs and co-curricular activities available, students are provided with multiple avenues to build connections and integrate into campus life.
From Co-Curricular Activities to Career Readiness
Student clubs are increasingly seen as more than recreational clubs, playing a meaningful role in preparing students for the workforce. Participation in such communities enables students to develop transferable skills aligned with employer expectations, including leadership, collaboration, and communication.
At SIM, student led initiatives span a broad spectrum, from arts and cultural groups that foster creativity and teamwork through performances and events, to sports and wellness communities that promote physical resilience and discipline. Leadership platforms such as student councils provide opportunities for students to organise initiatives and represent the student body, while international student communities support cultural integration and inclusivity.
In addition, special interest and professional clubs offer exposure to industry trends and peer led learning. Collectively, these platforms provide practical experiences that complement academic programmes and contribute to graduates’ overall employability.
Reflecting a Broader Shift in Higher Education
The increasing importance placed on student life reflects a wider evolution in higher education, where institutions are expected to support both academic achievement and personal development.
By investing in student communities and engagement, institutions like SIM are responding to this shift, providing environments where students can not only gain qualifications, but also build networks, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.
As prospective students weigh their options, the availability of vibrant campus communities and support systems is likely to remain a key differentiator in the higher education landscape.
Reference:
- The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC Loneliness Experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666518223000189?
- Mental health concerns and needs of international students in higher education settings: A scoping review protocol – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12334020/
- SIM CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
- SIM Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg
Media OutReach
Nexus Aesthetic Clinic to Host Pro Bono Aesthetic Literacy Talk for Women in Singapore
The session is designed to help members of the public ask clearer questions before deciding whether a medical aesthetic treatment is appropriate for them. Rather than focusing on any one procedure, the talk will cover consultation-first decision-making, how medical assessment should come before choosing treatments such as fil, and why natural-looking outcomes depend on suitability, restraint, and medical judgement.
As aesthetic treatments become more visible across social media and everyday conversation, consumers are often exposed to trend-led content before receiving a proper clinical assessment. Nexus Aesthetic Clinic says the pro bono session aims to bring the conversation back to patient suitability, risk-aware planning, and thoughtful decision-making.
The talk will be led by Dr Samantha Tay, Medical Director of Nexus Aesthetic Clinic. Attendees will learn what a responsible consultation should cover, including treatment history, skin condition, facial structure, medical considerations, expected trade-offs, and when a conservative approach may be more appropriate.
“Patients today are more informed than before, but they are also exposed to more aesthetic trends than ever,” said Dr Samantha Tay. “A good aesthetic decision should not begin with a treatment name. It should begin with a proper assessment of the patient’s face, skin quality, concerns, medical history, and whether treatment is appropriate in the first place.”
Community organisations interested in hosting similar pro bono education sessions may reach Nexus Aesthetic Clinic through the collaboration page.
Hashtag: #NexusAestheticClinic
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Nexus Aesthetic Clinic
Nexus Aesthetic Clinic is a natural-led medical aesthetic clinic located at TripleOne Somerset in Singapore. Led by Medical Director Dr Samantha Tay, the clinic focuses on consultation-led aesthetic care, conservative treatment planning, and natural-looking outcomes.
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