of America (BAC) Merrill Lynch. Why the jump? The dollar's rise is a direct result of America's strong economy while other parts of the world struggle. Europe is enacting a new stimulus program to revive its economy, and Japan is also in stimulus mode. Travelers are familiar with exchange rates and how they can impact the cost of goods. But the strong dollar's impact goes well beyond travel. It effects everything from gas prices at the pump to the profits of America's big businesses that sell things overseas. Many corporations such as Coke (KO) and Boeing (BA) warned that the strengthening dollar is harming their bottom lines, especially in Europe. What's ahead: America's economy certainly won't stop the dollar's surge. The job market is on a tear, growth is picking up and the Federal Reserve is likely to raise its key interest rate this year for the first time in almost a decade. At the same time, Europe's new stimulus program is lowering interest rates across the pond. It's a recipe for the dollar to gain even more value this year, experts say.Related:The dollar is crushing other currencies Outside of traveling abroad, |