In 1944, finance specialists and bankers from around the world met to discuss what the post-WWII monetary system would be. The outcome of this was the Bretton Woods system, which had the U.S. dollar as the world reserve currency linked to gold at $35 an ounce. All other currencies were tied to the dollar with limits on how much they could appreciate or depreciate. The system lasted until the 1970s, when the United States decided to move away from gold convertibility. The modern system is based on supply and demand for currency and a managed float.

The U.S. dollar remains the world's reserve currency. Is this good for the United States, and if so, why?

People usually think a "strong" dollar is good. Is this true for U.S. businesses, and does it help or hurt the U.S. balance of payments?