Fresh data from the International Monetary Fund reveals a subtle but notable shift in global currency reserves, with the Chinese yuan and Australian dollar gaining ground while the U.S. dollar's share slipped to its lowest level in over three decades. The dollar accounted for 56.32% of global foreign exchange reserves at the end of the second quarter, marking its smallest slice since the early 1990s. Meanwhile, both the yuan and Aussie dollar increased their holdings by 0.03 percentage points quarter-on-quarter, though each still represents just over 2% of the near $13 trillion reserve pile.

The IMF's adjusted data, published to account for dramatic currency swings, shows that the dollar lost 0.12 percentage points of market share when adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations. The euro, the world's second-largest reserve currency, also saw its position weaken, standing at 21.13% of overall reserves. The data was compiled from reserve managers across 149 economies, with total foreign exchange reserves climbing to $12.945 trillion from $12.540 trillion in the first quarter.

Currency movements played a dominant role in the shifting reserve landscape. The IMF noted that exchange rate effects explained 92% of the reduction in the dollar's share during the three months through June. The dollar index, which measures its performance against a basket of major currencies, fell more than 10% in the first half of the year—its largest drop since 1973—with the dollar weakening 8% in the second quarter alone. These swings were largely driven by market turbulence following Donald Trump's return to the White House and shifts in U.S. trade and economic policies.

Despite the dollar's declining share, analysts emphasize that the changes represent a gradual evolution rather than a rapid dedollarization. The fact that nearly all of the dollar's reserve share decline stems from currency movements—rather than a mass exit by central banks—reinforces its status as the primary safe-haven asset during turbulent times. The overall growth in global reserve assets, which increased by nearly $400 billion this quarter, indicates continued strong demand for reserve currencies amid ongoing market volatility.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.