O retorno ao padrão-ouro nos Estados Unidos

parece provável ao longo dos próximos 5 anos, referiu Steve Forbes, antigo candidato à presidência dos EUA, à Human Events.

If the gold standard had been in place in recent years, the value of the U.S. dollar would not have weakened as it has and excessive federal spending would have been curbed, Forbes told HUMAN EVENTS. The constantly changing value of the U.S. dollar leads to marketplace uncertainty and consequently spurs speculation in commodity investing as a hedge against inflation.

With a stable currency, it is «much harder» for governments to borrow excessively, Forbes said. Without lax Federal Reserve System monetary policies that led to the printing of too much money, the housing bubble would not have been nearly as severe, he added.

«When it comes to exchange rates and monetary policy, people often don’t grasp» what is at stake for the economy, Forbes said. By restoring the gold standard, the United States would shift away from «less responsible policies» and toward a stronger dollar and a stronger America, he said. «If the dollar was as good as gold, other countries would want to buy it.»

«People know that something is wrong with the dollar,» Forbes concluded. «You cannot trash your money without repercussions.»