Onward, a Fundrise Production 47: How to break a country (and maybe save one), with Rob Johnson
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May 8, 2025 This time, Rob Johnson, a former currency trader who collaborated with financial legends like George Soros, shares his gripping insights on currency warfare. He reflects on his challenging upbringing in Detroit and the realities of institutional power. Johnson dives into the history of the British pound and Swedish krona devaluations and discusses the U.S.-China trade dynamics. He also advocates for policy reforms aimed at equity and stability, highlighting the need for collaboration among economic leaders in today's complex global landscape.
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Rob's Detroit Roots and Career
- Rob Johnson shares his early life in Detroit, highlighting the suffering and economic distress he witnessed.
- His academic path took him through MIT and Princeton, leading to influential work at the Federal Reserve and Senate committees.
Breaking the Swedish Krona
- Rob Johnson recounts how they broke the Swedish krona after the British pound devaluation.
- He explains the carry trade involving borrowing Deutschmarks to invest in Swedish kroner, fueling the currency's instability.
US Dollar vs British Pound Exposure
- The US economy has less open exposure to global trade than Britain did during its currency crisis.
- Therefore, a US dollar devaluation would affect a smaller portion of the economy proportionally.
