Background
A managed floating exchange rate is a foreign exchange mechanism in which a country’s currency value is determined by market forces but periodically influenced by government interventions. These interventions seek to stabilize the currency’s value or achieve specific economic targets.
Historical Context
The managed floating exchange rate system became more prominent after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971, which necessitated a shift from fixed exchange rates to more flexible arrangements. This change allowed countries more control over their monetary policies without strictly adhering to a pegged exchange rate.
Definitions and Concepts
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Managed Floating Exchange Rate: A currency exchange system where the government or central bank occasionally intervenes in the foreign exchange market to stabilize or steer the currency’s value.
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Intervention Methods: These interventions can include buying or selling currency to smooth fluctuations or implementing macroeconomic policies (e.g., modifying interest rates).
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Dirty Floating: A colloquial term referring to the interventionist aspects of a managed floating exchange rate, implying that the exchange rate is not purely market-determined.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists typically argue that government interference should be minimal, thereby advocating for a more hands-off approach than managed floating systems.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical perspectives might support a managed float if it corrects market imperfections and stabilizes the macroeconomic environment.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian economists are more likely to favor managed exchange rates, as they align with fiscal and monetary policies intended to stabilize the economy and promote employment.
Marxian Economics
From a Marxian view, currency management reflects broader efforts by the state to stabilize capitalism and control economic disruptions that might occur from sudden exchange rate shifts.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists would analyze managed floating systems as part of institutional frameworks impacting economic policies and nation-state economic sovereignty.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics considers various market and psychological factors that might prompt authorities to intervene in currency markets, reflecting real-world complexities.
Post-Keynesian Economics
This framework generally advocates for managed exchange rates to achieve better economic outcomes and stabilize economies against external shocks.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists might be critical of managed systems, favoring minimal intervention and criticising the distortionary effects such policies can introduce.
Development Economics
Managed floats might be seen as beneficial for developing economies to guard against volatile capital flows and stabilize trade balances.
Monetarism
Monetarists might contend that intervention disturbs the natural market setting of exchange rates and focus instead on controlling domestic money supply.
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis would consider fixed, managed floating, and free-floating exchange rate systems, evaluating reasons for choosing managed floating, its benefits, and potential risks. It would balance control against market forces and weigh the economic outcomes achieved through different exchange rate regimes.
Case Studies
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China: Frequently manages its currency, the Yuan, to maintain export competitiveness and control inflation.
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India: The Reserve Bank of India periodically intervenes in the Forex market to curb excessive volatility of the Rupee.
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Brazil: Uses a managed float to stabilize the Real amidst fluctuating commodity prices impacting their economy.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Exchange Rate Regimes: Choices and Consequences” by Atish R. Ghosh, Anne-Marie Gulde, Jonathan D. Ostry
- “Currency Politics: The Political Economy of Exchange Rate Policy” by Jeffry A. Frieden
- “Exchange Rate Management in Theory and Practice” by D. Bigman, T. Taya
Related Terms with Definitions
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Free Floating Exchange Rate: An exchange rate regime where the currency’s value is determined entirely by market forces.
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Fixed Exchange Rate: A currency rate regime where a currency’s value is tied to another currency or a basket of currencies.
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Central Bank Intervention: Actions by a central bank to influence the exchange rate or the money supply.
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Fiscal Policy: Government decisions about spending and taxation that impact economic activity.
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Monetary Policy: Central bank actions, such as changes in interest rates or money supply, that influence a country’s economic activity.
