Exchange Rates Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a floating exchange rate?

A floating exchange rate is a currency value that is determined by the market forces of supply and demand relative to other currencies.

What happens to the Australian dollar when there is a decline in its price?

A fall in the price of the Australian dollar generally leads to a depreciation, making exports cheaper and imports more expensive.

How would an increase in US interest rates affect the demand for Australian dollars?

An increase in US interest rates relative to Australian interest rates would likely lead to a decrease in demand for Australian dollars as investors may prefer to invest in the US for higher returns.

What impact would a large influx of inbound tourism, such as during the World Cup, have on the supply of Australian dollars?

<p>An increase in inbound tourism would typically increase the demand for Australian dollars as foreign tourists exchange their currencies for AUD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major disadvantage of a floating exchange rate system?

<p>A significant disadvantage of a floating exchange rate system is the uncertainty it creates regarding future currency values, which can affect international trade planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a floating exchange rate ensure equilibrium in the balance of payments?

<p>In a floating exchange rate system, the balance of payments is kept in equilibrium as the current account deficit is offset by a surplus in the capital finance account.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do foreign reserves play in a floating exchange rate system?

<p>In a floating exchange rate system, there is no need for a country to hold large amounts of foreign reserves, allowing domestic monetary policy to operate independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of a government maintaining an artificially high fixed exchange rate?

<p>The main consequence is that the supply of the currency exceeds demand, resulting in an excess supply that the government must manage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how an undervalued currency can stimulate economic growth.

<p>An undervalued currency increases the money supply, which can lead to more spending and investment, thus stimulating economic growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a significant factor that allows a fixed exchange rate system to be maintained.

<p>A significant factor is the necessity for a stock of international reserves or gold to support the fixed rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss one major disadvantage of a fixed exchange rate system.

<p>One major disadvantage is that it can lead to internal instability, such as inflation, if balance of payments surpluses or deficits occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the allowed fluctuations in a fixed exchange rate system under IMF conditions?

<p>Minor fluctuations of up to 1 percent are permitted without prior approval from the IMF.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the US government's decision in August 1971 affect the fixed exchange rate system?

<p>The government's decision to discontinue the US dollar's convertibility into gold significantly contributed to the disintegration of the fixed exchange rate system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does speculation play in a fixed exchange rate system?

<p>Speculation can destabilize a fixed exchange rate system, as investors might bet against the currency, anticipating its devaluation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

State one advantage of a fixed exchange rate system for international trade.

<p>A fixed exchange rate provides stability and predictability, encouraging the growth of international trade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a government decide to fix its currency at a level above the market equilibrium?

<p>A government may fix its currency above market equilibrium to create a strong currency perception and attract foreign investment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system?

<p>The value of a currency is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does high demand for a country's exports influence its currency value?

<p>High demand for exports increases demand for the country's currency, causing its value to rise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a managed or 'dirty' float in the context of exchange rates?

<p>A managed float is a floating exchange rate system where a central bank intervenes to buy or sell a nation’s currency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What actions can a government take if it believes its currency value is too low?

<p>The government can enter the foreign exchange market and buy its own currency to increase its value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one advantage of a floating exchange rate system.

<p>An advantage is that it allows for automatic adjustments in the economy based on supply and demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of floating exchange rates for a country's economy?

<p>A disadvantage is that it can lead to higher volatility and uncertainty in currency values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way can a falling exchange rate affect domestic inflation?

<p>A falling exchange rate can lead to higher inflation by increasing the cost of imported goods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a declining value of a currency impact investor confidence?

<p>A declining currency value can reduce investor confidence, making them hesitant to invest in that economy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the price of a currency when demand decreases?

<p>When demand for a currency decreases, its price will float downwards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exchange Rates

  • Exchange rates express the value of one currency in terms of another
  • International trade involves the exchange of commodities between individuals and firms, not nations directly
  • Payment procedures for international trade are complex due to:
    • Distance between buyer and seller
    • Different currencies involved
    • Variations in purchasing power
    • Transport, handling, and storage costs
    • Government regulations and additional charges
  • International payments are often settled using a third country's currency
  • The process may involve electronic transfers instead of physical currency exchanges

Exchange Rate Definitions

  • Currency appreciation: An increase in the value of a currency relative to another
  • Currency depreciation: A decrease in the value of a currency relative to another
  • Currency devaluation: Deliberate downward adjustment to the value of a currency.
  • Currency revaluation: Deliberate upward adjustment to the value of a currency.
  • Exchange rate: The value of a nation's currency expressed in terms of another nation's currency.
  • Foreign exchange (forex) market: The market where international currencies are traded
  • Export price index: A statistical measurement used to monitor fluctuations in export prices.
  • Import price index: A statistical measurement used to monitor fluctuations in import prices.
  • Terms of trade: The relationship between the prices of exports and imports.
  • Terms of trade index: A statistical measurement used to monitor price fluctuations
  • Gold Exchange Standard: A system used to determine currency value based on gold.

Types of Exchange Rates

  • Fixed exchange rate: The government fixes a currency's value to that of another
  • Floating exchange rate: Market forces determine a currency's value

Government Intervention

  • Governments intervene in the foreign exchange market to influence or control exchange rates
  • They can buy or sell a nation's currency to manage exchange rates
  • This can involve either a managed or "dirty" float

Factors Affecting Exchange Rates

  • Relative inflation rates: If a country's inflation rate is higher than that of its trading partners, its currency is likely to depreciate.
  • Relative interest rates: Higher interest rates tend to attract foreign investment, increasing demand for the currency and causing appreciation.
  • Trade balances: A country with high demand for exports will likely see its currency appreciate.
  • Government policies: Government decisions like altering interest rates or imposing tariffs can influence demand and supply of the currency.
  • Investor confidence: Investor confidence plays a major role in currency movements. Positive expectations about a country's economy might boost the value of its currency.
  • International events: Events like war, political instability, or natural disasters can significantly impact exchange rates.
  • Commodity prices: Price fluctuations of raw materials can directly affect exchange rates, especially for countries reliant on resource exports.
  • Speculation: Speculators in the forex market buy and sell currencies based on anticipated movements, influencing demand and supply forces.

Terms of Trade

  • The terms of trade measure the relative price of a country's exports compared to its imports.
  • A favorable terms of trade means export prices rise more than import prices, increasing a country's purchasing power.
  • Unfavorable terms of trade occur when import prices increase faster than export prices.

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Exchange Rates PDF

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of exchange rates and their role in international trade. Explore definitions like currency appreciation, depreciation, devaluation, and revaluation, and understand the complexities of payment procedures in a global market.

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