TOPIC 2.2 - The East Asia Crisis Flashcards
Who were the Tiger Economies of Asia, when did their growth spike?
Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
1960s
Who were the Tiger Cubs of Asia, when did their growth spike?
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand.
1970s - 1980s
Who was the first HPAE, and when did their growth spike?
Japan
1950s
Four characteristics of HPAEs?
Very open to international trade
High Savings Rates and FDI (very important)
Growth and decrease in poverty
Health improvements.
What are the possible explanations for the HPAEs growth ‘miracle’?
Govts intervened heavily rather than relying on market mechanisms
FTAs
Hard-working people
High rates of savings and investment
Until 1997 most ER in the east Asian region were pegged against what currency?
USD
Characteristics of overvaluing the fix of your currency, what does it result in for the CB?
Keep inflation under control
Imports cheaper, Exports expensive
Easier to handle foreign debt
National pride
Results in Excess Supply so the CB buys baht and sells foreign exchange to keep fixed ER.
Characteristics of Undervalued ER, what does it result in for CB?
Boost exports
Decrease in Trade Deficits
Increase in Tourism
Results in Excess Demand for Baht so CB sells Baht and buys foreign currency
Explain the Inefficiency view of the Crisis?
Huge CA deficits (S < I)
Risky investments due to Moral Hazard
Lack of transparency by the government regarding debt
Debt was also ST used for LT investments.
Explain the Panic View?
People began to default on their loans.
People then began to panic and withdraw their own funds
Heard mentality ensued
Govt was forced to buy up all excess Baht from capital outflows.
Government ran out of foreign reserves.
Explain the Speculation View
Speculation and malicious attacks were the main problem. When panic ensued speculators saw an opportunity to attack the currency
They dumped currency
Forcing downward pressure on the ER.
Thus tipping the amount of capital outflow over the edge and pushing the CB to devalue the currency, therefore, making them a profit.
To make profit from currency the currency must be bought while it is …
overvalued.
Advantages and disadvantages of Foreign Exchange Speculators.
Advantages:
- Helps get prices right
- Serves as a check and balance in the economy
- Provides liquidity; matching buyers with sellers
Disadvantages
- creates a lack of confidence in the currency
- can attack even if the currency is not overvalued.
Why was the Crisis unexpected? (three reasons)
CA Deficits - usually not a problem if investments are good
Debt - Lack of transparency in banks and government, mismatched debt to investment terms
Growth - Countries were still posting High Growth Rates
What were the initial effects after the crisis?
ER devalued = price of imports increased = inflation