Verified Document

Floating Exchange Rates Reflect Current Events And Term Paper

¶ … floating exchange rates reflect current events and future expectations; there are many reasons for such continual fluctuations. A brief examination of current events in Europe and the United States illustrates how quickly exchange rates change and what propels them to do so. The article "Euro Falls to 2-Year Low Against Dollar"(Waki, 2005), which appeared in The Moscow Times, succinctly describes the latest exchange rates of the euro and the dollar and the main reasons for these developments. As of the early hours of November 10, 2005, the euro fell a quarter percent, currently holding at 1.1750 dollars (Waki, 2005). This is another drop in a series of recent falls; for example, it traded at $1.793 on November 7, 2005 and at $1.787 on November 8, 2005 (Read, 2005). This is an interesting situation as the euro had previously and steadily been appreciating. Naturally, a falling euro signals a stronger U.S. dollar. In fact, on November 8, 2005, 'the dollar rose to its highest level against the euro in nearly two years' (Read, 2005, 1). Some speculate that it may continue to rise depending on political, social, and monetary situations in euro-zone countries.

The value of a nation's currency is greatly determined by its political stability and policies. In the presence of political uncertainty, a country's currency is likely to depreciate. This phenomenon reflects common sense: one is naturally hesitant to invest in or conduct business with a nation whose political future is unknown. Simply put, in such situations the risks are too great and the vulnerabilities...

One must not look too far for a current illustration of this principle. In fact, Germany's political uncertainty is one reason for the recent depreciation of the euro. The recent German elections spurred controversy and upheaval when then Chancellor Schroder 'refused defeat' (The Economist, 2005, 53). Merkel, promising to create a 'grand coalition', is finding the feat ever more challenging as some of her colleagues have resigned while several leaks have provoked more controversy. With setbacks occurring frequently, which are stalling the nation's political machine, it is not surprising the euro is falling.
In addition to political insecurity, social unrest greatly determines the value of a nation's currency. Again, common sense dictates that a country in the midst of social turmoil is not a prudent choice for investment and business. France is presently experiencing a protracted series of riots throughout the nation; they are due to the perceived and real marginalization of some minorities (particularly Arabs). The state's inability to effectively and efficiently quell the riots only worsens the situation. What's more, there are fears the riots may spread to neighboring countries, many of which also have significant minority populations. In fact, there is evidence to suggest this is already the situation. Cars were set on fire in Germany and Brussels, identical to the acts of violence and vandalism now taking place in France. There is no doubt the real social disturbance coupled with the apparent threat of…

Sources used in this document:
References

Economist, The (2005, Oct. 1). Currency Competition. The Economist. 377(8446), 74.

Economist, The (2005, Nov. 5-11). Building Problems. The Economist. 377(8451), 53.

Read, Madlen (2005, Nov. 8). U.S. Dollar Strengthens Against Euro. AP. Web site:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/051108/dollar.html.
Web site: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/11/10/252.htm.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Exchange Rates and Inflation Can
Words: 5277 Length: 20 Document Type: Term Paper

Model Development The purpose of this study is to determine the macroeconomic factors that contribute to changes in inflation such as economic fundamentals and policies. The second part of the research uses a Markov switching model with time-varying transition probabilities to capture the changes in inflation and their determining factors. This model was developed through the evolution of several previous studies and is considered to be relevant to the research at

U.S. Trade Balance & Exchange
Words: 2380 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

4 trillion to about $5 trillion dollars at the end of 2008 to support a rise in U.S. net external debt from $3.3 trillion to $7.4 trillion. (Ibid. 6) Continued financing of the U.S. trade deficits by the rest of the world is also not without its long-term problems: the U.S. would accumulate so much debt over time that the ultimate cost of adjustment would become too high for the

Korean Financial Crisis in the Late 1990s Lesson for Current Euro...
Words: 4892 Length: 16 Document Type: Research Paper

Korean Financial Crisis in the Late 1990s: Lesson for Current Euro Area The objective of this study is to examine what is unique or different about the Korean financial crisis as compared to other Asian financial crises and to determine the primary causes of the financial crisis in Korea. This work will further examine the government response to the crisis and what it is that can be learned from the Korean

Currency Markets
Words: 2576 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

Currency Markets The currency exchange market is an inter-bank or inter-dealer market that was established in 1971 when floating exchange rates began to materialize. Trading is not centralized, as is the case with many stock markets (i.e. NYSE, ASE, CME) or as the case for currency futures and currency options, which trade on special exchanges. Dealers often "advertise" exchange rates using a distribution network, then use the information "agree" to a

Pakistan Economy Currently There Is
Words: 4110 Length: 16 Document Type: Research Paper

In addition the continued decline of the fiscal account will affect both debt sustainability and external balances ("Monetary Policy Decision"). As it pertains to medium term fiscal sustainability which must be present to achieve necessary overall macroeconomic stability, the tax-GDP ratio must be increased ("Monetary Policy Decision"). Additionally government expenditures must decrease ("Monetary Policy Decision"). The article also reports that the revenue deficit, which represents the difference between total revenues

Central Banks What Criteria Are,
Words: 10788 Length: 35 Document Type: Dissertation

Under the arrangement, moreover, a country with efficient production and a favored competitive position (including as enhanced by new capital goods) is rewarded with rising income and reduced unemployment. No grand scheme of state or international planning and direct control is required. Exchange rates are for the most part fixed under the classical gold-flows mechanisms (say, $/£ const. within fixed limits), as stated, and adjustments to trade imbalances

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now