Thousands of BEERs: Take your pick

This paper explores the robustness of behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) models. We highlight the importance of model uncertainty, and employ real exchange rates computed from price‐level data to explore robustness to the inclusion of country fixed effects. The estimated coefficients—and therefore also the implied equilibrium values—are sensitive to the combination of variables included in the model, and to the inclusion of fixed effects. We identify several variables that exhibit a robust link with real exchange rates across specifications. Our findings can help policymakers in understanding the uncertainty associated with estimates of equilibrium exchange rates.     

Is the Cyprus Pound Real Effective Exchange Rate Misaligned? A BEER Approach

Abstract

This paper investigates whether the real effective exchange rate of the Cyprus pound is misaligned by generating measures of the equilibrium rate using the Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate (BEER) approach. Several measures of the equilibrium exchange rate were derived and used to check for the existence of exchange rate misalignment. The results suggest that, during the 1990s, the actual real effective exchange rate and the various equilibrium measures generated move closely together and there is no evidence of any significant and persistent misalignment. However, the empirical evidence suggests persistent overvaluation during the 1980s.     

The demand for money and the real exchange rate misalignments in emerging European countries: A nonlinear approach

This paper investigates the extent to which domestic and foreign money balances in emerging European countries are influenced by foreign exchange considerations. A well-specified and stable relationship between real money demand and the exchange rate can be perceived as an important part of a successful monetary policy. This study examines the long-run determinants of real exchange rates (RERs) associated with the behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) approach and identifies currency misalignments in these countries. The misalignment is later used to test the nonlinear behavior of the demand for money. The results indicate that the RER misalignments have a significant impact on domestic money demand. When the currencies are overvalued, there is a reduction in domestic money demand, and when they are undervalued, there is an increase in domestic money demand. Furthermore, it can be concluded that overvaluation causes an increase in foreign money demand indicating a shift of preference from domestic to foreign currency.     

Nonlinear adjustment of the real exchange rate towards its equilibrium value: A panel smooth transition error correction modelling

We study the nonlinear dynamics of the real exchange rate towards its behavioral equilibrium value (BEER) using a Panel Smooth Transition Regression model framework. We show that the real exchange rate convergence process in the long-run is characterized by nonlinearities for emerging economies, whereas industrialized countries exhibit a linear pattern. Moreover, there exists an asymmetric behavior of the real exchange rate when facing an over- or an undervaluation of the domestic currency. Finally, our results suggest that the real exchange rate may be unable to unwind alone global imbalances.     

Determinants of the Euro Real Effective Exchange Rate: A BEER/PEER Approach

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the medium–term determinants of the euro effective exchange rate. The empirical analysis builds on synthetic quarterly data from 1975 to 1998, and derives a Behavioural Equilibrium Exchange Rate (BEER) and a Permanent Equilibrium Exchange Rate (PEER). Four different specifications are retained, due to the difficulties encountered in specifying an encompassing model. The results indicate that differentials in real interest rates and productivity, and (in some specifications) the relative fiscal stance and the real price of oil, have a significant influence on the euro effective exchange rate. Assessing the existence and the extent of the over– or undervaluation of the exchange rate is not straightforward, since these different specifications often lead to contrasting findings. However, all four specifications point unambiguously to the undervaluation of the euro in 2000, although the extent of this undervaluation largely depends on the specification chosen.     

Do Fundamentals Explain the Behaviour of the Swedish Real Effective Exchange Rate?

This study examines the long‐run relationship between the real effective exchange rate and its fundamental determinants, and derives a real effective equilibrium exchange rate for the Swedish krona. Our results indicate that the krona was severely overvalued in late 1992, when the fixed exchange rate regime was abandoned. By the end of 2000 the krona was undervalued by approximately 5 percent, given the prevailing economic conditions. Arithmetic examples of suitable SEK/EUR conversion rates are calculated under various assumptions to provide a guideline if Sweden were to adopt the euro in the future.     

On the cross-sectional relation between exchange rates and future fundamentals

Using a cross-sectional perspective, we investigate the implications of the present-value model of exchange rates for a sample of 64 countries during 1971–2015, excluding periods of pegged exchange rates. Our paper uses all bilateral exchange rate pairs instead of choosing a reference currency and extends the list of fundamentals that have been examined in the previous literature by using the variables present in the behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) model. We document that exchange rates are strongly connected to future fundamentals using forecast horizons from one month to 10 years. Our findings highlight that unlike for time-series and panel data, the evidence against the “exchange rate disconnect puzzle” is more robust using a cross-sectional perspective. Given the relevance of fundamental factors in determining exchange rates dynamics we examine whether they are useful in constructing profitable investment strategies. Except for inflation, we find that a significant relation between exchange rates and a fundamental does not lead necessarily to a profitable investment strategy. Finally, we document that using the cross-rates of exchange rates leads to a significant improvement in the profitability of the carry trade strategy.     

Revisiting the theory of optimum currency areas: Is the CFA franc zone sustainable?

This paper aims at explaining why the CFA countries have successfully maintained a currency union for several decades, despite failing to meet many of optimum currency area criteria. We suggest that the CFA zone, while not optimal, has been at least sustainable. We test this sustainability hypothesis by relying on the Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate (BEER) approach. In particular, we assess and compare the convergence process of real exchange rates towards equilibrium for the CFA zone countries and a sample of other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Our findings evidence that internal and external balances have been fostered and adjustments facilitated in the CFA zone as a whole—compared to other SSA countries—as well as in each of its member countries.     

Foreign interest rate shocks and exchange rate regimes in East Asia

Using a theoretical dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model and an empirical panel vector autoregression, we assess the transmission of foreign real interest rate shocks on the volatility of various key macroeconomic variables in nine small open economies in East Asia taking into account the role of exchange rate regimes. Both the theoretical and empirical findings confirm the hypothesis that flexible exchange rate may work as a shock absorber when the economy is hit by foreign real interest rate shocks. The findings suggest a clear trade-off between the volatility of real exchange rate and real output to foreign interest rate shocks, both the US and G7 real interest rates, where the responses of real output are mitigated in countries that have more flexible exchange rate regime.     

The Real Equilibrium South African Rand/US Dollar Exchange Rate: A Comparison of Alternative Measures

This article indicates how different measures of the real exchange rate, i.e., the exchange rate adapted for cost inflation, price inflation and labour costs, influence the equilibrium view and misalignment of the South African rand/US dollar exchange rate. The approach followed is based on the behavioural equilibrium exchange rate approach by Clark and MacDonald (1998), where the exchange rate is influenced by a number of fundamental and transitory factors. The real equilibrium exchange is estimated by using a single equation regression and a number of key explanatory variables. To determine the long-run relationship a Vector Error Correction Mechanism is used.     

How frequent a BEER? Assessing the impact of data frequency on real exchange rate misalignment estimation

This article explores the robustness of Behavioural Equilibrium Exchange Rate models, employed to estimate real effective exchange rate misalignments, to the frequency of the underlying data. It compares misalignments stemming from an annual model, estimated since 1980, and a comparable quarterly model, estimated since 1999. The two sets of estimates are similar. Moreover, the in-sample power of quarterly REER misalignments in explaining subsequent REER developments is higher than that of the annual estimates. This article therefore suggests that the “optimal” frequency of a BEER model depends on whether its resulting estimates are employed for research purposes or for policy-making activities.     

ROBUST ESTIMATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM EXCHANGE RATES WITHIN THE G20: A PANEL BEER APPROACH

This paper is concerned with the robustness of equilibrium exchange rate estimations based on the BEER approach for a set of both industrial and emerging countries. The robustness is studied in four directions, successively. First, we investigate the impact of using alternative proxies for relative productivity. Second, we analyze the impact of estimating the equilibrium equation on one single panel covering G20 countries, or separately for G7 and non-G7 countries. Third, we measure the influence of the choice of the numeraire on the derivation of bilateral equilibrium rates. Finally, we study the temporal robustness of the estimations by dropping one or 2 years from the estimation period. Our main conclusion is that BEER estimations are quite robust to these successive tests, although at one point of time misalignments can differ by several percentage points depending on the methodology. The choice of the productivity proxy is the most sensible one, followed by the country sample. In contrast, the choice of the numeraire and the time sample have a relatively limited impact on estimated misalignments.     

人民币均衡实际汇率的估计与实际汇率错位的测算

基于均衡实际汇率理论 ,本文应用多种经济计量方法实证分析了自 2 0世纪 50年代中期至 2 0 0 0年期间人民币实际汇率状况 ,估计出人民币均衡实际汇率 ,进而测算了实际汇率错位状况。研究结果表明 :在计划经济时期 ,人民币实际汇率长期被高估。改革开放后 ,均衡实际汇率长期处于贬值状况 ,现实的实际汇率长期被低估。在亚洲金融危机期间 (特别是 1 997和 1 998年 ) ,人民币实际汇率出现了明显的高估。 1 999年这种高估状况得到部分缓解 ;2 0 0 0年出现了根本性好转。在现实中 ,1 999年以后中国出口的快速增长也证实了这一结论。     

人民币实际汇率水平的合理性评估:1994—2008

本文基于行为均衡汇率模型,采用1994年第1季度-2008年第2季度的时序数据样本,运用自回归分布滞后模型测算了人民币均衡实际汇率,并对人民币实际汇率的合理性进行了评估.分析结果表明,经济基本面因素能较好地拟合人民币实际汇率的变化过程;人民币实际汇率经历了三次低估和三次高估,但失调程度并不严重.     

On the Complementarity of Equilibrium Exchange‐Rate Approaches

Based on a simple, stock–flow adjustment framework, we show that existing concepts of equilibrium exchange rates can be viewed as realizations of the same model at different time horizons. We then compare fundamental and behavioral estimations of equilibrium exchange rates based on the same, econometric modeling of the net foreign asset position in the long run, for a panel of 15 countries over the 1980–2005 period. These estimations suggest that, although more robust to alternative assumptions, the BEER approach may rely on excessive confidence on past behaviors in terms of portfolio choices. Symmetrically, FEERs may underestimate the plasticity of international capital markets because they focus on the adjustment of the trade balance.     

Estimating an equilibrium exchange rate for the dollar and other key currencies

In this paper, we adapt the concept of fundamental equilibrium exchange rates ‘FEER’ in a complete model approach. We use it to determine the likely paths of the Dollar and other key currencies. The FEER is the (real) exchange rate that is consistent with internal balance and sustainable external balances. Here we examine the composition of a Dollar adjustment and hence the extent to which a FEER (for the US) depends on factors or rigidities elsewhere in the world, as well as at home. We find, the US still needs to accept an adjustment in her real exchange rate if the increase in her foreign liabilities is to come to an end. However, counterpart adjustments also have to be made in Canada, Mexico, and some Asian economies if this policy is to be successful. We also show that productivity growth differentials may act as a substitute for depreciation, and this provides an explanation for the failure of the dollar to depreciate in the 1990s.     

竞争力平价与人民币均衡汇率研究

传统的汇率决定理论认为，一国货币汇率的衡水平是由购买力平价、利率平价和货币相对供求等决定的。大多数实证研究表明，这些均衡汇率理论只是强调单一因素，同现实相距甚远。本文构建了多因素国际竞争力平价模型，认为均衡实际汇率随着国际竞争力的相对变化而变化，国际竞争力相对提高，该国货币升值，反之则反之。本文利用主成分分析法，从影响人民币汇率的多因素中构造国际竞争力这个指标，实证研究表明人民币实际有效汇率与国际竞争力之间存在协整关系，然后再基于这个协整关系式计算人民币的均衡实际有效汇率，并据以判断人民币汇率偏离均衡水平的程度。     

The Real Exchange Rate Always Floats

This paper makes two main points. First, irrespective of nominal exchange rate arrangements, the real exchange rate always floats — if not through nominal exchange rate adjustment, then through price change. Further, because prices and wages tend to be sticky, the adjustment of real exchange rates towards long–run equilibrium takes time, as witnessed by long–lasting currency misalignments around the world. In second place, real exchange rates are rather likely to fluctuate on their way towards long–run equilibrium because of the dynamic interaction between real exchange rates and the current account or, put differently, because the structure of lags with which exchange rates impact the volume of exports and imports may give rise to oscillatory behaviour.     

The Real Exchange Rate and the Structural Transformation(s) of China and the U.S.

From 1989 to 2010, the RMB–dollar real exchange rate depreciated, despite China's rapid income growth relative to the US. We develop a macroeconomic-trade model of the very long-run equilibrium RMB-dollar real exchange rate. We show that this long-run depreciation of the RMB-dollar real exchange rate can be justified by our model, if we note that Chinese agriculture has relatively low productivity and that agriculture is tradeable. Relative to our equilibrium benchmark, the current real RMB-dollar rate is, if anything, over appreciated.     

On the Transmission Mechanism of Monetary Constraints to the Real Side of the Economy

Contrary to the predictions of the theory underlying international finance, inflows of capital triggered by financial liberalisation have neither equalised real interest rates nor increased income growth in many emerging economies. We explain this puzzle by developing a model that combines the balance‐of‐payments constraint approach to economic growth with a less stringent version of the real interest rate parity hypothesis. The model’s foundations are based on robust empirical findings or well‐established macroeconomic models. We show that a perverse combination of income elasticities of demand for imports and exports generates slow income growth and high real interest rates. As domestic income grows and imports rise faster than exports, the real exchange rate is expected to depreciate in order to clear the balance of payments (or the foreign exchange rate market). An incipient capital outflow arises and interest rates increase. Faster adjustment in capital rather than in the goods market therefore generates a higher real interest rate differential between the domestic small open‐economy and the rest of the world. The long run analysis shows that a constant degree of risk aversion implies a positive equilibrium real interest rate differential that affects economic growth. A permanent increase in default risk driven by persistent current account imbalances thus impacts on long run growth. The model’s results are illustrated with evidence from the three major Latin America economies: Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.