Exchange Rate Flashcards
Exchange rate definition
The external price of currency compared to another currency
Freely Floating Exchange Rates
X rate determined purely by the forces of d and s
Free from govt intervention
Advantages of floating exchange rate (4)
BOP auto adjustment
Flexibly for govt
No need for large exchange reserves
Freedom for macroeconomic objectives
Fixed Exchange Rate
A govt ties it’s x rate tot he price of another country’s (US$)
Used to promote exports
Managed exchange rate
Determined by d and the govt may intervene to influence occasional
Disadvantages of floating exchange rate (4)
Uncertainty- as to exact price of currency
Speculation
Inflation
Damage to investment- discourage due to above
Fixed exchange rate advantages
3
Reduces uncertainty
Economic growth
Low inflation
Fixed disadvantages
3
Needs maintaining
Speculation
Conflict with objectives
How govt can intervene?
- Change interest rates- increase to strengthen £
- Use foreign currency reserves
- Borrowing
- Inflation- reducing inflation= competitive exports= increase in demand= increase in x rate
How to increase the x rate via inflation
reducing inflation= competitive exports= increase in demand= increase in x rate
How to increase the exchange rate with interest rates?
Increase the interest rate so demand increases for the pound, investors look for high IR