The strength of the U.S. dollar influences trade, inflation and investment, but as President Trump noted Friday, the currency's power comes with trade-offs.

"I'm a person that likes a strong dollar, but a weak dollar makes you a hell of a lot more money," Trump told reporters Friday.

The president added that a strong dollar helps keep inflation in check and feels good psychologically, but argued, "You can't sell anything."

His mixed messaging highlights tension policymakers have long grappled with: There isn't a simple connection between the strength of a country's currency and the strength of its economy.

On one hand, a strong dollar makes imported goods cheaper for American consumers, but on the other, a weaker dollar makes U.S. products more competitive abroad, benefiting exporters.

What does it mean when the dollar is strong vs. weak?

The dollar is considered strong when it rises in value against other currencies, as measured by the exchange rate.........

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