Download Exchange Rate Policy Macro_Module_43

Module 43
Exchange
Rate Policy
KRUGMAN'S
MACROECONOMICS for AP*
Margaret Ray and David Anderson
What you will learn
in this Module:
• The difference between fixed exchange
rates and floating exchange rates
• Considerations that lead countries to
choose different exchange rate regimes
Exchange Rate Policy
A nation can deliberately manipulate the exchange rate of its
won currency to achieve certain economic goals.
WHY would they do this?
The exchange rate has a great deal of influence on net
exports.
If your nation’s currency is inexpensive
1. foreigners will find your goods to be inexpensive
2. Your net exports will rise to your GDP will rise.
Exchange Rate Regimes
•Exchange Rate Regime – a rule governing policy
towards the exchange rate.
•Fixed Exchange Rate – the government keeps the
exchange rate against another currency at/near a
particular target.
•Floating Exchange Rate – the government lets the
exchange rate go wherever the market takes it. (US,
Britain, Canada follow this policy)
How Can an Exchange Rate Be
Held Fixed?
Suppose the small nation of Highlander
Decides to fix their currency, the Lander,
At a rate of $2 US for every 1 Lander.
If the Lander is exchanged in a free market,
The equilibrium exchange rate maybe higher,
Or lower, than the target rate of $2.
How Can an Exchange Rate Be
Held Fixed?
Exchange
Rate
($/Lander)
The Equilibrium Exchange Rate is Below $2
S Landers
2%
Surplus of
Landers
1%
D Landers
Q Landers
The Highlander government can:
1. Buy up the surplus of Landers in the FOREX.
This is called
Exchange Market Intervention.
2. The Central Bank of Highlander can increase
interest rates.
1. Attract foreign capital investment
2. Increasing D Lander
3. Reduce capital outflow from
Highlander
4. Reduce S Lander
5. P of Lander will rise.
1.
Limit the right of individuals to buy foreign
currency.
1. S Landers reduced
2. P of Lander will rise.
How Can an Exchange Rate Be
Held Fixed?
Exchange
Rate
($/Lander)
The Equilibrium Exchange Rate is Above $2
S Landers
3%
2%
Shortage of
Landers
D Landers
Q Landers
The Highlander government can:
1. Sell Landers in the FOREX. This is called
Exchange Market Intervention.
2. The Central Bank of Highlander can decrease
interest rates.
1. Deter foreign capital investment
2. Decreasing D Lander
3. Increase capital outflow from
Highlander
4. increase S Lander
5. P of Lander will fall.
1.
Limit the ability of foreigners to buy the
Lander.
1. S Landers increased.
2. P of Lander will fall.
The Exchange Rate Regime
Dilemma
Is it a good idea to fix the exchange rate?
•The Case for Fixed Exchange Rates
• Facilitates trade by creating certainty about the
exchange rate – the value of your currency stays
the same.
• Acts as a check on inflationary policies
• No dramatic increase in money supply
The Exchange Rate Regime
Dilemma
•The Case against Fixed Exchange Rates
• Requires large foreign currency reserves
• May divert monetary policy
• Distorts incentives
• Opportunity for corruption