Part 7/11:
South Korea’s central bank and other foreign authorities are reportedly requesting increased dollar reserves, reflecting concerns about US dollar scarcity. Countries like Argentina and China are accumulating gold reserves amid strains in lending markets and USD liquidity shortages.
The US’s currency swap agreements with nations like South Korea are under strain, and domestic issues such as FHA loan delays and rising underwater mortgages highlight potential vulnerabilities in the housing market. Mortgage rates hover around 6%, with real estate markets showing signs of cooling, especially in regions with high prices and restrictive zoning rules.