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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the international monetary system?
What is the primary function of the international monetary system?
Under the gold standard, exchange rates were allowed to fluctuate freely based on market forces.
Under the gold standard, exchange rates were allowed to fluctuate freely based on market forces.
False (B)
What event led to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system?
What event led to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system?
The U.S. abandoning dollar-gold convertibility
A currency value that fluctuates based on supply and demand is known as a ______ exchange rate.
A currency value that fluctuates based on supply and demand is known as a ______ exchange rate.
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Match the following institutions with their primary function:
Match the following institutions with their primary function:
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Which of the following is an example of a fixed exchange rate regime?
Which of the following is an example of a fixed exchange rate regime?
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The World Bank primarily provides short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance-of-payments crises.
The World Bank primarily provides short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance-of-payments crises.
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What is the key difference between a fixed and a floating exchange rate?
What is the key difference between a fixed and a floating exchange rate?
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The Bretton Woods system was established in the year ______.
The Bretton Woods system was established in the year ______.
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What is a managed float exchange rate?
What is a managed float exchange rate?
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What is a primary disadvantage of floating exchange rate systems?
What is a primary disadvantage of floating exchange rate systems?
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The Bretton Woods system was based on floating exchange rates.
The Bretton Woods system was based on floating exchange rates.
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Name one of the major global imbalances mentioned in the text that can destabilize the global economy.
Name one of the major global imbalances mentioned in the text that can destabilize the global economy.
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Sovereign __________ crises in developing countries can pose risks to global financial stability.
Sovereign __________ crises in developing countries can pose risks to global financial stability.
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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Which international institution plays a key role in promoting global economic stability?
Which international institution plays a key role in promoting global economic stability?
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Fixed exchange rate systems offer more flexibility compared to floating exchange rate systems.
Fixed exchange rate systems offer more flexibility compared to floating exchange rate systems.
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What is one example mentioned in the content of a time of sovereign debt crisis?
What is one example mentioned in the content of a time of sovereign debt crisis?
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) helps to mitigate global imbalances and promote __________.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) helps to mitigate global imbalances and promote __________.
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What was a result of the transition from the Bretton Woods system?
What was a result of the transition from the Bretton Woods system?
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Flashcards
What is the International Monetary System?
What is the International Monetary System?
The system governing how currencies are exchanged and international financial transactions occur. It facilitates global trade, investment, and economic stability.
What is the Gold Standard?
What is the Gold Standard?
A system where currencies were tied to gold at fixed exchange rates. This ensured stable exchange rates but limited monetary policy flexibility. It collapsed during World War I due to economic disruptions.
What is the Bretton Woods System?
What is the Bretton Woods System?
Established fixed exchange rates, with the US dollar as the anchor currency convertible to gold at a fixed price. It created institutions like the IMF and World Bank to promote global economic stability and development. It collapsed in 1971 due to inflationary pressures and trade imbalances.
What is the Floating Exchange Rate System?
What is the Floating Exchange Rate System?
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What is a Fixed Exchange Rate?
What is a Fixed Exchange Rate?
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What is a Floating Exchange Rate?
What is a Floating Exchange Rate?
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What is a Managed Float?
What is a Managed Float?
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What is a Crawling Peg?
What is a Crawling Peg?
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What is the role of the IMF in the international monetary system?
What is the role of the IMF in the international monetary system?
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What is the role of the World Bank in the international monetary system?
What is the role of the World Bank in the international monetary system?
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International Monetary System
International Monetary System
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Gold Standard
Gold Standard
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Bretton Woods System
Bretton Woods System
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Floating Exchange Rates
Floating Exchange Rates
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Exchange Rate Volatility
Exchange Rate Volatility
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Global Imbalances
Global Imbalances
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Debt Crises
Debt Crises
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International Economic Institutions
International Economic Institutions
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IMF's Role
IMF's Role
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Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility
Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility
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Study Notes
International Monetary System
- The international monetary system is a set of rules, institutions, and agreements governing global currency exchange and financial transactions. It enables global trade and investment, promoting economic stability.
Evolution of the International Monetary System
- Gold Standard (1870s–1914):
- Currencies were pegged to gold at fixed rates.
- Provided exchange rate stability, but limited monetary policy flexibility.
- Collapsed due to World War I economic disruptions.
- Bretton Woods System (1944–1971):
- Established fixed exchange rates with the US dollar as the anchor currency.
- Dollar convertible to gold at $35/ounce.
- Created the IMF and World Bank to foster stability and development.
- Collapsed due to inflationary pressures and trade imbalances, culminating in the US abandoning dollar-gold convertibility in 1971.
- Floating Exchange Rate System (Post-1973):
- Exchange rates determined by market forces (supply and demand).
- Offers monetary policy flexibility, but introduces exchange rate volatility.
Types of Exchange Rate Regimes
- Fixed Exchange Rate: Currency value pegged to another currency or currency basket. (e.g., Hong Kong dollar to USD)
- Floating Exchange Rate: Currency value fluctuates based on market forces. (e.g., USD/EUR)
- Managed Float: Central banks occasionally intervene to stabilize currencies without a fixed peg.
- Crawling Peg: Currency adjusted periodically based on economic indicators.
Role of Global Institutions
- International Monetary Fund (IMF):
- Provides short-term financial assistance in balance-of-payments crises.
- Monitors global economics, providing policy advice to nations.
- Promotes exchange rate stability and international monetary cooperation.
- World Bank:
- Focuses on long-term development projects in emerging economies (infrastructure, education).
- Provides low-interest loans and grants to reduce poverty and foster development.
- World Trade Organization (WTO):
- Facilitates global trade by reducing barriers and resolving disputes.
Challenges Facing the International Monetary System
- Exchange Rate Volatility: Floating systems lead to unpredictable currency fluctuations, affecting trade and investment.
- Global Imbalances: Persistent trade deficits/surpluses destabilize the global economy (e.g., U.S.-China imbalance).
- Debt Crises: Developing country sovereign debt crises risk global financial stability (e.g., Latin American crisis, Eurozone crisis).
Key Concepts for Exam Preparation
- Understand the historical progression: gold standard, Bretton Woods, floating rates.
- Compare fixed vs. floating exchange rate regimes (stability vs. flexibility).
- Analyze IMF, World Bank, and WTO roles in global stability.
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Description
Explore the evolution of the international monetary system, from the Gold Standard to the Bretton Woods System and the current floating exchange rate system. Understand how these frameworks have shaped global trade, investment, and economic stability throughout history.