Report
Patrick Artus

Is a currency board an efficient exchange rate regime?

A currency board is an exchange rate regime where: The exchange rate is strictly pegged to a reference currency; The fixity of the exchange rate is ensured by a monetary policy that is subordinate to maintaining a set link between the quantity of money and the level of foreign exchange reserves. A loss (for example) of foreign exchange reserves (due to a trade deficit or to capital outflows) requires a proportional reduction in the money supply (therefore a highly restrictive monetary policy) that stabilises foreign exchange reserves. To assess the efficiency of a currency board and the potential costs associated with this exchange rate regime, we analyse developments in two countries that have chosen to operate a currency board: Hong Kong (with the dollar) and Bulgaria (with the euro). We find that the main costs associated with this option are: Asset price bubbles when the currency appreciate s as a trend ; Falls in asset prices and weak growth when the currency depreciate s as a trend .
Provider
Natixis
Natixis

Based across the world’s leading financial centers, Natixis CIB Research offers an integrated view of the markets. The team provides support to inform Natixis clients’ investment and hedging decisions across all asset classes.

 

Analysts
Patrick Artus

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