International economics

Table of Contents

1. Topic pack - International economics - introduction
2. Section 3.1 International trade (notes)
3. Section 3.1 International trade (questions)
4. Section 3.1 International trade - simulations and activities
5. Section 3.2 Exchange rates (notes)
   1. Exchange rates - introduction
   2. Floating exchange rates
   3. Demand and supply of dollars (video)
   4. Exchange rate appreciation
   5. Exchange rate depreciation
   6. Demand and supply of dollars (video)
   7. Advantages and disadvantages of floating exchange rates
   8. Exchange rate determination - calculation
   9. Causes of changes in exchange rate
   10. Effects of exchange rate changes
   11. Fixed exchange rates
   12. Advantages and disadvantages of fixed exchange rates
   13. Managed exchange rates
6. Section 3.2 Exchange rates - questions
7. Section 3.2 Exchange rates - simulations and activities
8. Section 3.3 Balance of payments - notes
9. Section 3.3 Balance of payments - questions
10. Section 3.4 Economic integration - notes
11. Section 3.4 Economic integration - questions
12. Section 3.5 Terms of trade - notes
13. Section 3.5 Terms of trade - questions
14. Print View

Section 3.2 Exchange rates (notes)

In this section we will look at freely floating exchange rates and government intervention in the foreign exchange market.

By the end of this section you should be able to:

• Explain that the value of an exchange rate in a floating system is determined by the demand for, and supply of, a currency.
• Draw a diagram to show determination of exchange rates in a floating exchange rate system.
• Describe the factors that lead to changes in currency demand and supply, including foreign demand for a country's exports, domestic demand for imports, relative interest rates, relative inflation rates, investment from overseas in a country's firms (foreign direct investment and portfolio investment) and speculation.
• Distinguish between a depreciation of the currency and an appreciation of the currency.
• Draw diagrams to show changes in the demand for, and supply of, a currency.
• Evaluate the possible economic consequences of a change in the value of a currency, including the effects on a country's inflation rate, employment, economic growth and current account balance.
• Describe a fixed exchange rate system involving commitment to a single fixed rate.
• Distinguish between a devaluation of a currency and a revaluation of a currency.
• Explain, using a diagram, how a fixed exchange rate is maintained.
• Explain how a managed exchange rate operates, with reference to the fact that there is a periodic government intervention to influence the value of an exchange rate.
• Examine the possible consequences of overvalued and undervalued currencies.
• Compare and contrast a fixed exchange rate system with a floating exchange rate system, with reference to factors including the degree of certainty for stakeholders, ease of adjustment, the role of international reserves in the form of foreign currencies and flexibility offered to policy makers.

• Calculate the value of one currency in terms of another currency.
• Calculate the exchange rate for linear demand and supply functions.
• Plot demand and supply curves for a currency from linear functions and identify the equilibrium exchange rate.
• Using exchange rates, calculate the price of a good in different currencies.
• Calculate the changes in the value of a currency from a set of data.