Question

Classify each characteristic as relating to a fixed exchange rate regime or a flexible, or floating, exchange rate regime.a. signals a commitment not to engage in inflationary policiesb. provides certainty about the value of a currencyc. distorts incentives for importing and exporting goods and servicesd. enables policy makers to engage in monetary policy1. Fixed exchange rate regime 2. Flexible (floating) exchange rate regime

Answer 1

Answer:

(A) Fixed exchange rate regime

(B) Fixed exchange rate

(C) Flexible exchange rate

(D) Flexible exchange rate

Explanation:

(A) A fixed exchange rate regime signals a commitment not to engage in inflationary policies. NOTE: Inflationary policies are a type of monetary policies (the type used to pump money into the economy). See answer (D).

(B) A fixed exchange rate regime provides certainty about the value of a currency, for example, when the exchange rate between Philippine Pesos and Arab Emirate Dollars is fixed at 10PHP - 1AED, traders in this currency will be certain that at any planning time in business, investment or consumption, 10 PHP will be equal to 1 AED.

(C) Flexible exchange rate distorts incentives for importing and exporting goods and services. What are these incentives? On the government side, it is either the revenue that government makes from import tariffs and duties OR the subsidy that government pays on exported goods. On the importer/exporter side, it is the custom duties paid by importers on imported goods AND the subsidies enjoyed by exporters on exported products. A flexible exchange rate distorts or fluctuates these incentives.

(D) Flexible exchange rate enables policy makers to engage in monetary policy. Now, monetary policy is a tool used by ministers of finance or policy makers in every country; to regulate (increase or reduce or bring back to normal) spending and investment. If the exchange rate between or among countries were fixed, monetary policies would have limited application or usefulness when implemented. A flexible exchange rate encourages and enables engagement in or use of monetary policies.