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Soft power and exchange rate volatility

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  • Serhan Cevik
  • Richard D. F. Harris
  • Fatih Yilmaz

Abstract

Standard models—based exclusively on macro†financial variables—have made little progress in explaining the behaviour of exchange rates. In this paper, we introduce a neglected set of ‘soft power’ factors capturing a country's demographic, institutional, political, and social underpinnings to shed some light on the ‘missing’ determinants of exchange rate volatility over time and across countries. Based on a balanced panel dataset comprising 115 countries during the period 1996–2015, the empirical results are generally robust across different estimation methodologies and show a high degree of persistence in exchange rate volatility. After controlling for standard macroeconomic factors, we find that the ‘soft power’ variables—such as an index of voice and accountability, life expectancy, educational attainments, fragility of the banking sector, financial openness, and the share of agriculture relative to services—have a statistically significant influence on the level of exchange rate volatility across countries. In other words, countries with greater ‘soft power’ (i.e. better institutional quality) tend to experience a lower degree of exchange rate volatility.

Suggested Citation

  • Serhan Cevik & Richard D. F. Harris & Fatih Yilmaz, 2017. "Soft power and exchange rate volatility," International Finance, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(3), pages 271-288, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:intfin:v:20:y:2017:i:3:p:271-288
    DOI: 10.1111/infi.12117
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    Cited by:

    1. Maneejuk, Paravee & Huang, Wucaihong & Yamaka, Woraphon, 2025. "Asymmetric volatility spillover effects from energy, agriculture, green bond, and financial market uncertainty on carbon market during major market crisis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    2. Okot, Anjelo & Kaltenbrunner, Annina & Perez Ruiz, Daniel, 2022. "Determinants of the exchange rate, its volatility and currency crash risk in Africa's low and lower middle-income countries," EIB Working Papers 2022/12, European Investment Bank (EIB).
    3. Nadia Dridi & Fathi Ayachi, 2022. "The determinants of EURO/TND exchange rate volatility in Tunisia," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 42(4), pages 1981-1997.
    4. Trust R. Mpofu, 2021. "The determinants of real exchange rate volatility in South Africa," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(5), pages 1380-1401, May.
    5. Hornstein, Abigail S. & Naknoi, Kanda, 2023. "FDI commitments increase when uncertainty is resolved: Evidence from Asia," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).

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