📊 What this Chart Shows
This visualization highlights the best and worst performing currencies of 2025, measured by their percentage change in value against the U.S. dollar between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Currency performance in 2025 showed a sharp divide, with a handful of currencies posting strong gains while others suffered steep declines amid inflation, policy uncertainty, and economic instability.
🟢 Currency Winners
- Russia’s ruble was the strongest-performing currency of 2025, rising by nearly 44% against the U.S. dollar despite ongoing sanctions.
- Tight monetary policy, capital controls, and a strong trade balance helped support the currency.
- European currencies posted moderate gains, including the Swedish krona, euro, and Swiss franc, as U.S. dollar momentum weakened.
- The Swiss franc also benefited from its long-standing safe-haven status.
- Latin American currencies such as the Mexican peso and Brazilian real outperformed, supported by high interest rates, carry-trade demand, and a rebound from losses in 2024.
- The Canadian dollar saw modest gains, reflecting relatively stable economic conditions.
🔴 Currency Losers
- Venezuela’s bolívar experienced the steepest collapse, losing over 80% of its value amid persistent hyperinflation and prolonged economic instability.
- Argentina’s peso continued to decline, weighed down by chronic inflation and ongoing foreign exchange pressures.
- Turkey’s lira weakened further, as inflation concerns and loose monetary policy undermined investor confidence.
- Ethiopia’s birr declined sharply, reflecting foreign exchange shortages and broader economic strain.
- South Sudan’s pound fell by around 14%, impacted by internal conflict, pipeline disruptions, and reduced oil export revenues.
- India’s rupee weakened moderately, driven by capital outflows and persistent trade imbalances rather than a sudden economic shock.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Currency losses in 2025 were far more extreme than gains, highlighting the asymmetric nature of currency risk.
- High interest rates and tight policy frameworks helped support stronger-performing currencies.
- Inflation and weak economic fundamentals remained the primary drivers of severe currency depreciation.
- A softer U.S. dollar amplified both gains and losses across global currencies.
📌 Data & Methodology
- Metric: Percentage change in currency value vs U.S. dollar
- Period: January 1 to December 31, 2025
- Source: Exchange-Rates.org (USD exchange rates)
