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Current account drivers and exchange rate regimes in Central and Eastern Europe

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  • Harkmann, Kersti
  • Staehr, Karsten

Abstract

The paper seeks to determine the factors that drive the current account dynamics of the 11 EU members from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Panel data models are estimated on annual data for the period 1997–2017 and both domestic pull factors and external push factors are included. The models are, as a key innovation, estimated separately for floating and fixed exchange rate regimes. The current account exhibits substantial persistence in both cases. For the floaters, the current account is driven by domestic factors while external factors appear unimportant. For the fixers, the current account is mainly driven by external factors, suggesting there is substantial vulnerability to external developments. The analysis underscores the importance of the exchange rate regime for the drivers of the current account balance in the CEE countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Harkmann, Kersti & Staehr, Karsten, 2021. "Current account drivers and exchange rate regimes in Central and Eastern Europe," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jimfin:v:110:y:2021:i:c:s0261560620302424
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jimonfin.2020.102286
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    2. Simeon Coleman & Juan Carlos Cuestas, 2023. "Has the current account broken up with its fundamentals in Central and Eastern Europe?," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(1), pages 962-980, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Current account balance; Exchange rate regime; Economic policies; Central and Eastern Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • P33 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - International Trade, Finance, Investment, Relations, and Aid

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