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Exchange Rate Regimes: Is the Bipolar View Correct?

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  • Stanley Fischer

Abstract

The bipolar or two-corner solution view of exchange rates is that intermediate policy regimes between hard pegs and floating are not sustainable. This paper argues that the proponents of the bipolar view have probably exaggerated their point. The right statement is that for countries open to international capital flows, softly pegged exchange rates are crisis-prone and not sustainable over long periods. However, a wide variety of flexible rate arrangements remains possible. Monetary and exchange rate policy in most countries should not and will not be indifferent to exchange rate movements.

Suggested Citation

  • Stanley Fischer, 2001. "Exchange Rate Regimes: Is the Bipolar View Correct?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 3-24, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:15:y:2001:i:2:p:3-24
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.2.3
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.15.2.3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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