''From 2001-2008, the greenback, as measured by the U.S. dollar index, lost 41% of its value''

From Kitco Commentary 
By  Kira McCaffrey Brecht

''No matter how you slice it or dice it, the U.S. dollar remains mired in a decade-long bear trend.

Take a look at the monthly chart below. From 2001-2008, the greenback, as measured by the U.S. dollar index, lost 41% of its value. Ouch.

During that same time period, nearby gold futures rallied 297%.

For the last four years, the U.S. dollar has seen some intermittent rallies, but has largely traded in a sideways range. A multi-year holding pattern for the bears. Why? Largely, because the dollar was the currency of last resort, safe haven during the financial panic in the wake of the Lehman collapse and subsequent financial chaos.''

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