Journal of Finance 2026
Unintended Consequences of Holding Dollar Assets
Abstract
We propose and examine a novel mechanism whereby holdings of dollar assets by foreign institutions can have a large, unexpected impact on foreign Treasury yields in crisis periods. Non‐U.S. institutions hold substantial dollar assets and hedge dollar exposures by selling dollars forward. In crisis periods, the dollar appreciates against other currencies. To meet margin calls on foreign exchange (FX) hedging positions, traditionally passive institutions liquidate domestic safe assets to raise cash. We show that during the recent COVID crisis, U.K. institutions with substantial dollar holdings and FX hedging positions sold large amounts of gilts, contributing significantly to the observed gilt yield spike.
- DOI
- 10.1111/jofi.70097
- Language
- en
- Sources
- crossref