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Fixed Exchange Rate Regimes and Inflation Performance: Evidence from MENA Countries

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  • Ghanem Darine

    (University Montpellier I /LaboratoireMontpelliérain d’Economie Théorique et Appliquée (LAMETA))

Abstract

In this paper we study the empirical evidence on inflation performance of fixed but adjustable exchange rate regimes in MENA over the period of 1980-2007, using exchange rate regimes as declared (de jure) and as observed (de facto). We identify credible regimes by matching what is announced and what is observed. Our results suggest that, even when accounting for possible endogeneity, credible pegs were associated with lower inflation, while declared fixed exchange rates were not significantly associated with lower inflation. Moreover, there is substantial evidence that suggests that countries, who have often announced more exchange rate flexibility in order to avoid speculative attacks while maintaining a stable exchange rate, were successful in achieving low inflation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghanem Darine, 2012. "Fixed Exchange Rate Regimes and Inflation Performance: Evidence from MENA Countries," Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, De Gruyter, vol. 8(1), pages 1-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rmeecf:v:8:y:2012:i:1:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/1475-3693.1354
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    1. Cruz-Rodríguez, Alexis, 2016. "An empirical assessment of exchange arrangements and inflation performance," MPRA Paper 73005, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Raimundo Soto & Bassem Kamar, 2015. "Monetary Policy and Economic Performance in Resource Dependent Economies," Documentos de Trabajo 462, Instituto de Economia. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile..
    3. Brixiova Zuzana & Egert Balazs & Essid Thouraya Hadj Amor, 2014. "The Real Exchange Rate and External Competitiveness in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia," Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, De Gruyter, vol. 10(1), pages 1-27, April.
    4. Klaus Schmidt-Hebbel, 2019. "Macroeconomic Institutions: Lessons from World Experience for MENA Countries," Working Papers 1311, Economic Research Forum, revised 21 Aug 2019.
    5. David Mautin Oke & Koye Gerry Bokana & Adebowale Soluade, 2017. "Re-examining Exchange Rate Regimes and Inflation Nexus: An ARDL Analysis for Nigerian Case," Acta Universitatis Danubius. OEconomica, Danubius University of Galati, issue 13(6), pages 253-266, DECEMBER.
    6. Zuzana Brixiova & Balázs Égert & Thouraya Hadj Amor Essid, 2013. "Working Paper 187 - The Real Exchange Rate and External Competitiveness in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia," Working Paper Series 991, African Development Bank.
    7. Almukhtar Saif Al-Abri, 2014. "Labor Market Heterogeneity and Optimal Exchange Rate Regime in Resource-Rich MENA Countries," Working Papers 844, Economic Research Forum, revised Oct 2014.

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