5 Dollars – United States

In 2012, the United States was navigating the complex aftermath of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, with monetary policy dominated by the Federal Reserve's unprecedented efforts to stimulate the economy. The benchmark federal funds rate had been near zero since late 2008, and the Fed, under Chairman Ben Bernanke, was engaged in a third round of quantitative easing (QE3), committing to purchase $85 billion in Treasury and mortgage-backed securities each month. This policy aimed to lower long-term interest rates, encourage borrowing and investment, and combat persistently high unemployment, which remained above 8% for much of the year. The Fed also made a historic shift in its forward guidance, pledging to keep rates exceptionally low at least through mid-2015, a move intended to bolster public and market confidence.

Despite these aggressive actions, concerns about long-term consequences were significant. Critics warned of potential future inflation, asset bubbles, and a weakening dollar, though core inflation remained subdued below the Fed's 2% target. The political landscape was highly charged, with the "currency situation" often intersecting with debates over the national debt, which surpassed $16 trillion. The year featured a contentious presidential election where the Fed's policies were scrutinized, and the looming "fiscal cliff"—a combination of expiring tax cuts and automatic spending reductions scheduled for year-end—created uncertainty, threatening to undermine the Fed's supportive monetary stance with abrupt fiscal contraction.

Internationally, the U.S. dollar maintained its role as the world's primary reserve currency, but its value experienced volatility driven by the European sovereign debt crisis, which spurred periodic flights to safety. Domestically, the environment of ultra-low yields pushed investors toward riskier assets, supporting a steady stock market recovery. Overall, 2012 was a period of sustained emergency monetary policy, defined by the Fed's determined, yet controversial, campaign to foster recovery through continued liquidity, while navigating significant fiscal headwinds and ongoing debates about the limits and risks of its expanding balance sheet.