and the perception is that the US is riding a mountain of debt, that Americans are spending the equity of their homes (and more) that the US housing bubble is in danger of bursting. Further perception is that US banks and hedge funds are packaging and reselling consumer and corporate debt that is of deteriorating quality. Also, the Yen carry trade is less attractive than it was and more investors are prepared to hold yen and JGBs. Also, to keep the economy vibrant, Fed discount rates must remain low.

On the plus side, the American economy is the most dynamic in the world and the most innovative. The dollar will recover eventually but it could take some time.

Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. Tagore, Bengali Poet