Volatile exchange rates and how to manage them are a contentious topic whenever economic policymakers gather in international meetings. This book examines the broad parameters of exchange rate policy in light of both high-powered theory and real-world experience. What are the costs and benefits of flexible versus fixed exchange rates? How much of a role should the exchange rate play in monetary policy? Why don't volatile exchange rates destabilize inflation and output? The principal finding of this book is that using monetary policy to fight exchange rate volatility, including through the adoption of a fixed exchange rate regime, leads to greater volatility of employment, output, and inflation. In other words, the "cure" for exchange rate volatility is worse than the disease. This finding is demonstrated in economic models, in historical case studies, and in statistical analysis of the data. The book devotes considerable attention to understanding the reasons why volatile exchange rates do not destabilize inflation and output. The book concludes that many countries would benefit from allowing greater flexibility of their exchange rates in order to target monetary policy at stabilization of their domestic economies. Few, if any, countries would benefit from a move in the opposite direction.

This paper focuses on the risks accompanying a vibrant and expanding monetary system. It views in broad terms an apparent gap in economic analysis that seems to prevent any single answer to the paradox that a highly sophisticated payments system also seems to generate economic instability. The volatile behaviour of foreign exchange markets is examined, and operational possibilities for attempting to minimize the often conflicting differences between movements of capital and trade are put forward.

Under the direction of Nobel laureate Robert A. Mundell and Paul J. Zak, eminent contributors to Monetary Stability and Economic Growth offer a unique insight into the way that economists analyse the causes of money (mis) management in the US, Latin America, Europe and Japan, and prescribe stabilising reforms. Their lively discussion provides answers to various questions including: How does monetary stability affect economic growth? How can nations best achieve monetary stability? When is monetary union desirable? Which anchors for monetary stability are likely to be most effective? How will the euro affect financial markets and the international monetary system? Is international monetary reform possible, and how can it be achieved? The mechanisms that link monetary policy including foreign exchange regimes and the international monetary system to economic performance are examined, and the ways in which countries can stimulate economic growth are explored. This superb narrative volume, brought alive by the debate between leading economists, is contextualised by the editors excellent introduction. It will be of immense interest to students, researchers and teachers of macroeconomics and financial economics as well as professional economists.

In this book, the author presents fresh perspectives on the theories surrounding European Monetary Union. Urging the reader to examine conventional ideas from new viewpoints, he discusses the events which led to EMU, analyses the current situation, and projects possible futures. Essential reading for academics and professionals concerned with the background and implications of EMU, this book will also be of considerable interest to scholars in the fields of European studies, monetary economics, international economics and economic history.

This book takes a broad perspective to challenge orthodox views about the role of Euroland in the world economy, providing a comprehensive framework to address important questions for the future of the Euro, including the key question: will the single currency contribute to world economic dynamism or be driven by the vigour and vitality of others?

The Asian crisis of 1997-1998 was a major influence on macroeconomic thinking concerning exchange rate regimes, the functioning of international institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, and international contagion of macroeconomic instability from one country to another. Exchange Rate Regimes and Macroeconomic Stability offers perspectives on these issues from the viewpoints of two Nobel Laureates, an IMF economist, and Asian economists. This book contributes new ideas to the ongoing debate on the role of domestic monetary authorities and international institutions in reducing the likelihood of international financial crises, as well as the problems associated with various exchange rate regimes from the standpoint of macroeconomic stability. Overall, the chapters contained in this volume offer interesting perspectives, which have been stimulated by the recent events in the foreign exchange market. They provide a useful reference for anyone interested in the development of exchange rate regimes, and represent considerable reflection by economists half a century after Bretton Woods.

The volume represents a collection of papers that examine important topical themes related to the rise of China and Asia in the global economy. It offers many useful insights on several issues that are hotly debated in the international community, especially in the aftermath of the recent global financial crisis. The contributors are renowned experts from academic institutions, central banks, and international organizations. Their analyses and points of view offer valuable insights for researchers and policymakers who are interested in the recent developments in China, Asia, and the global economy. Specifically, the thirteen chapters contained in the volume address four broad themes. The first theme is on open macroeconomics and transmission mechanisms that highlight the interactions between countries in the globalization era. The second theme covers the contentious issue of renminbi valuation, which has significant implications for the debate on global imbalances. The third theme covers currency internationalization and financial markets in Asia. In particular, two chapters discuss renminbi internationalization and yen internationalization, while the other two papers examine yen carry trade and the Asian credit card market. The fourth theme is external demand and fiscal stimulus in Asian countries.

this textbook thoroughly explains the principles of macroeconomics. It provides insights into the important macroeconomic issues, such as determination of output, employment, interest rates and inflation. This textbook discusses Classical and Keynesian theories of macroeconomics as well as aptly incorporates Post-Keynesian developments in various aspects of macroeconomics. Further it discusses, at appropriate places, the relevance and applicability of various macroeconomic theories for the developing countries. This textbook also explains and critically evaluates the post-Keynesian theories of consumption function namely, Kuznet’s consumption function, Modigliani’s life cycle hypothesis and much more.

The official monthly record of United States foreign policy.