The Dollar continues to challenge the euro. That's the difference.

The dollar growth trend threatens to harm American companies because their goods become more expensive for foreign buyers. If US exports were weakened as a result, the already slow US economy would also be weakened.

However, there is another positive side for Americans: A stronger money provides modest relief from inflation because the many goods imported to the U.S. cars and computers to toys and medical equipment become less expensive. A strengthened dollar also offers benefits to American tourists who visit beauty in Europe from Amsterdam to Athens.

The US dollar index, which measures the value of American money against six major foreign currencies, has increased by nearly 12% this year to a higher level in two decades. Euro now is worth a little less than $1.02.

The dollar is growing because of efforts the US is making to reduce inflation.