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For Public Storage Employees: Understanding the Impact of a Strong Dollar on Your Retirement Planning

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Healthcare Provider Update: Public Storage offers its employees health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace as well as employer-sponsored plans. The specific healthcare providers utilized may vary, often including major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem, which have strong presences in many states. As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly for those enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. Projections suggest that average premiums could rise by approximately 18%, with certain states potentially experiencing hikes over 60%. The expected expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will largely contribute to these sharp increases, meaning many Public Storage employees and retirees could face drastic out-of-pocket costs. As the market grapples with rising medical expenses and insurer rate hikes, individuals should be prepared for a challenging landscape in healthcare costs as they plan for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

If you are employed at Public Storage, it is imperative to consider exchange rates as an opportunity to capitalize and better plan your finances. In late September 2022, the U.S. dollar hit a 20-year high in an index that measures its value against six major currencies: the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Swedish krona, and the Swiss franc. At the same time, a broader inflation-adjusted index that captures a basket of 26 foreign currencies reached its highest level since 1985. Both indexes eased slightly but remained near their highs in October. 1–2

Intuitively, it might seem that a strong dollar is good for the U.S. economy, but the effects are mixed in the context of other domestic and global pressures.

World Standard
Those employed by Public Storage should be aware that the U.S. dollar is the world's reserve currency. About 40% of global financial transactions are executed in dollars, with or without U.S. involvement. 3  As such, foreign governments, global financial institutions, and multinational companies all hold dollars, providing a level of demand regardless of other forces.

Demand for the dollar tends to increase during difficult times as investors seek stability and security. Despite high inflation and recession predictions, the U.S. economy remains the strongest in the world. 4  Other countries are battling inflation, too, and the strong dollar is making their battles more difficult. The United States recovered more quickly from the pandemic recession, putting it in a better position to weather inflationary pressures. This information may be useful for those working for Public Storage as it may help you make decisions that better protect your assets.


Employees of Public Storage should keep in mind how the Federal Reserve's aggressive policy to combat inflation by raising interest rates has driven demand for the dollar even higher because of the appealing rates on dollar-denominated assets such as U.S. Treasury securities. Some other central banks have begun to raise rates as well — to fight inflation and offer better yields on their own securities. But the strength of the U.S. economy allows the Fed to push rates higher and faster, which is likely to maintain the dollar's advantage for some time.



Exports and Imports
The strong dollar makes imported goods cheaper and exported goods more expensive. For those working for Public Storage, cheaper imports are generally good for consumers and for companies that use foreign-manufactured supplies, but they can undercut domestic sales by U.S. producers.

At the same time, the strong dollar effectively raises prices for goods that U.S. companies sell in foreign markets, making it more difficult to compete, and reducing the value of foreign purchases. Employees at Public Storage can take a U.S. company that sells 10,000 euros worth of goods as an example. The foreign buyer would receive less revenue when a euro buys fewer dollars. Some experts are concerned that the strong dollar will dampen the post-pandemic rebound in U.S. manufacturing. 5  More broadly, the ballooning trade deficit cuts into U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which includes imports as a negative input and exports as a positive input.


Overseas Exposure
Generally, large multinational companies have the most exposure to risk from currency imbalances, and the stock market has shown signs of a shift from large companies — which have dominated the market since before the pandemic — to smaller companies that may be more nimble and less dependent on overseas sales. The S&P SmallCap 600 index has outperformed the S&P 500 index through late October; if the trend continues through the end of the year, it would be the first time since 2016 that small caps have eclipsed large caps. 6  The S&P MidCap 400 index has done even better. Despite that, those working for Public Storage must also account for how in the current bear market, better performance means lower losses; all three indexes have had double-digit losses through October 2022. 7

Global Pain
A weak currency can be a boon for a country by making its exports more competitive. But with the world economy weakening, other countries are not reaping those benefits, while paying more on debt and imported essentials such as food and fuel that are traded in dollars. Those working for Public Storage should consider how the Fed is focused on domestic concerns, but it is effectively exporting inflation while trying to control it at home, and global economic pain could ultimately spread to the U.S. economy. 8

Slowing the Dollar
In the near term, the Fed's aggressive rate hikes may reduce domestic demand for foreign goods, reducing the trade deficit and weakening the dollar. The advance Q3 2022 GDP estimate showed the trade gap closing, but it's unclear if the trend will last. 9

In the longer term, as inflation eases in the United States, the Fed will likely take its foot off the gas pedal and ultimately bring rates down. Public Storage employees should understand how this would allow other central banks to catch up if they choose to do so, and would make foreign currencies and securities more appealing. Lower oil prices (denominated in dollars) and/or any reduction in world tensions — such as a slowdown in the Russia-Ukraine war — might also help reduce demand for dollars.

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The dynamics of these factors are complex, and it may take time for any of them to unfold. In the meantime, the strong dollar is a sign of U.S. economic strength, and it would not be wise to place too much emphasis on it for long-term investment decisions. However, this could be a great time for an overseas vacation.

U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. The principal value of Treasury securities fluctuates with market conditions. If not held to maturity, they could be worth more or less than the original amount paid.

Public Storage employees should be aware of how all investments are subject to market volatility and loss of principal. Investing internationally carries additional risks such as differences in financial reporting, currency exchange risk, and economic and political risk unique to the specific country. This may result in greater share price volatility. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The value of a foreign investment, measured in U.S. dollars, could decrease because of unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates.

The S&P 500 index is an unmanaged group of securities that is considered to be representative of the U.S. stock market in general. The performance of an unmanaged index is not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Actual results will vary.

1) MarketWatch, October 19, 2022 (U.S. Dollar index)
2) Federal Reserve, 2022 (Real Broad Dollar index)
3, 8) The New York Times, September 26, 2022
4, 6) The Wall Street Journal, October 17, 2022
5) The Wall Street Journal, October 9, 2022
7) S&P Dow Jones Indices, 2022
9) U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2022

What type of retirement savings plan does Public Storage offer to its employees?

Public Storage offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Public Storage match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Public Storage provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

When can employees at Public Storage enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Public Storage can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What is the eligibility requirement for Public Storage employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

To participate in the 401(k) plan at Public Storage, employees must meet specific service and age requirements as outlined in the plan documents.

How can Public Storage employees make changes to their 401(k) contributions?

Public Storage employees can make changes to their 401(k) contributions by logging into the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

What investment options are available in the Public Storage 401(k) plan?

The Public Storage 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can Public Storage employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Public Storage allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Public Storage?

If you leave Public Storage, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your account, or leave it in the Public Storage plan if you meet the minimum balance requirement.

Are there any fees associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can Public Storage employees change their investment allocations within the 401(k) plan?

Public Storage employees can change their investment allocations at any time, subject to the plan's trading restrictions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
401(k) plan with company match, discretionary profit sharing, stock purchase plan.
Public Storage provides RSUs to its executives and key employees. RSUs typically vest over a period of three years, promoting retention and alignment with company goals.
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