USD

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Definition of 'USD'

The United States dollar (symbol: $; code: USD; also abbreviated US$ or U.S. dollar, to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies) is the official currency of the United States of America and its territories. It is also the currency of many other countries, including Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama. The United States dollar is the world's most traded currency.

The United States dollar was created in 1792, when the Coinage Act of 1792 established a decimal system of currency based on the Spanish dollar. The dollar was originally defined as equal to 371.25 grains of fine silver. In 1837, the dollar was redefined as equal to 23.22 grains of gold. This definition remained in place until 1933, when the gold standard was abandoned.

Since 1933, the United States dollar has been fiat money, meaning that it is not backed by any physical commodity. The value of the dollar is based on the faith and credit of the United States government.

The United States dollar is issued by the Federal Reserve System, which is the central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve controls the supply of money in the economy by buying and selling government bonds. The Federal Reserve also sets interest rates, which affect the cost of borrowing money.

The United States dollar is a major reserve currency, meaning that it is held by central banks around the world. This is because the United States dollar is seen as a safe and stable currency. The United States dollar is also used in international trade and investment.

The United States dollar is a powerful symbol of the United States economy and its global influence. The dollar is used to buy and sell goods and services around the world, and it is also used to invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets. The dollar is a major force in the global economy, and it is likely to remain an important currency for many years to come.

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