2 ASX shares to benefit from strong US dollar: expert

The greenback is considered a safe haven in troubled times. And 2022 will be no exception, according to one fund manager.

| More on:
two young boys dressed in business suits and wearing spectacles look at each other in rapture with wide open mouths and holding large fans of banknotes with other banknotes, coins and a piggybank on the table in front of them and a bag of cash at the side.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The outlook for the international economy is looking significantly darker than it was even 10 days ago.

After last week's massive 75 basis point interest rate hike in the US, a global recession is in serious contention.

One phenomenon often seen in such troubled times is that the value of the US dollar is reinforced.

This is because the currency is seen as a stable safe haven while volatility is seen in other assets.

T Rowe Price Group Inc (NASDAQ: TROW) head of Australian equities Randal Jenneke reckons it won't be any different this time. And he believes two ASX shares in particular stand to benefit.

"As we expect the US dollar to remain firm in 2022, we are positive toward the prospects for the [US] dollar earners in our portfolio, companies such as ResMed CDI (ASX: RMD) and Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)."

The sleeping giant among ASX shares

Even though the company has its origins in Australia, ResMed has been headquartered at San Diego in the US for decades now.

The business exists on the ASX as a CHESS depositary interest (CDI), which allows Australian shares to be issued as a representative of ResMed Inc (NYSE: RMD) stocks.

And Jenneke is quite right in that the sleep apnea treatment device maker does most of its business in US dollars.

Firstly, the ASX 200 share reports its financials in that currency. 

Secondly, its latest quarterly result showed North and Latin America revenue of US$576.6 million far exceeded sales from the rest of the world, which generated US$287.9 million.

ResMed shares have fallen around 21% since the start of the year.

'A high-quality growth business'

Unlike ResMed, gaming provider Aristocrat still has its head office in northern Sydney.

But its casino machines and mobile games are sold all over the world.

Aristocrat's latest investor presentation showed 81% of its casino machine revenue came from the Americas region, while Australia and New Zealand reaped just 17%.

The mobile games, like most apps, are sold on borderless markets.

Morgans advisor Jabin Hallihan last week agreed with Jenneke that Aristocrat has tremendous prospects while other ASX shares are flopping.

"The slot machine maker remains a high-quality growth business with long-term opportunities," he told The Bull. 

"We're forecasting 16% growth in earnings before interest, taxes, and amortisation in the coming year."

Morgans has a price target of $43 on this ASX 200 share, which compares to $32.76 at the close of Friday trading.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Investing Strategies

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Share Market News

4 pros and cons of buying the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS) in 2026!

This popular ETF isn't a slam dunk...

Read more »

A padlock wrapped around a wad of Australian $20 and $50 notes, indicating money locked up.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business offers everything an income-focused investor could want.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

Buy 100 shares of this premier dividend share for $150 in passive income

Here’s why this dividend stock remains a favourite for passive income.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Dividend Investing

Broker names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy before it's too late

Bell Potter is urging income investors to buy these shares.

Read more »

Two plants grow in jars filled with coins.
Dividend Investing

31%: This could be the best dividend growth stock on the ASX

Let's get into why.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face.
Cheap Shares

3 phenomenal ASX stocks that could double in 2026

Analysts think these stocks could be dirt cheap after a difficult time in 2025.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Dividend Investing

1 excellent ASX dividend stock, down 60%, to buy and hold for the long term

This beaten down stock could be a top pick for income investors. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
Dividend Investing

These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now

These stocks offer a strong level of payouts. Here’s why…

Read more »