How the US dollar stacks up against major world currencies

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. dollar has been rolling. Since June 30, its value has jumped 16 percent against a collection of world currencies.

But the dollar's strength also reflects weakness elsewhere:

• JAPAN

The dollar is up 16 percent against the Japanese yen since mid-2014. Japan slid into recession last quarter after the government imposed an ill-timed sales tax increase. The Bank of Japan has tried to revive the economy by buying bonds to lower rates, boost inflation and drive down the value of the yen to aid Japanese exporters.

• EURO

The dollar has surged 18 percent against the euro since June 30. Economic growth among the 19 countries that use the euro has flat-lined. Last year, the European Central Bank slashed rates and sought to stimulate lending by promising to buy bundles of bank loans. Next week, the ECB is expected to announce a program to buy bonds - a version of what the Fed did three times since 2008 - to lower long-term rates and stimulate the eurozone economy.

• BRAZIL

The dollar has gained nearly 20 percent against the Brazilian real since the middle of last year. The Brazilian economy is beset by a combination of slow growth and high inflation. The Brazilian Central Bank will likely raise rates next week to try to fight inflation and rally the real, economists at Barclays predict.

• RUSSIA

The dollar has soared a staggering 96 percent against the Russian ruble since June 30. Plummeting oil prices and economic sanctions have devastated the Russian economy, which is likely headed toward recession. Money is fleeing the country. In mid-December, the Russian central bank raised rates to try to salvage the currency. The move has at least slowed the free-fall.