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Why do countries peg the way they peg? The determinants of anchor currency choice

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  • Meissner, Christopher M.
  • Oomes, Nienke

Abstract

What determines the currency to which countries peg or "anchor" their exchange rate? Data for over 100 countries between 1980 and 1998 reveal trade network externalities are a key determinant of anchor currency choice. This implies currency anchoring strategies could be sub-optimal. Hence, certain currencies could be oversubscribed as anchors, and changes in anchor choices of a small number of countries can have a large and rapid impact on the international monetary system. Other factors related to anchor choice include the symmetry of output co-movements and the currency denomination of liabilities.

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  • Meissner, Christopher M. & Oomes, Nienke, 2009. "Why do countries peg the way they peg? The determinants of anchor currency choice," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 28(3), pages 522-547, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jimfin:v:28:y:2009:i:3:p:522-547
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Exchange rate regime Anchor Network externalities Optimal currency area International currency De facto policy;

    JEL classification:

    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Sytsems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions

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