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International Currency Dominance

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph Abadi
  • Jesús Fernández-Villaverde
  • Daniel R. Sanches

Abstract

We present a micro-founded monetary model of the world economy to study international currency competition. Our model features both “unipolar” equilibria, with a single dominant international currency, and “multipolar” equilibria, in which multiple currencies circulate internationally. Governments can compete to internationalize their currencies by offering attractive interest rates on their sovereign debt. A large economy has a natural advantage in ensuring its currency becomes dominant, but if it lacks the fiscal capacity to absorb the global demand for liquid assets, the multipolar equilibrium emerges.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Abadi & Jesús Fernández-Villaverde & Daniel R. Sanches, 2025. "International Currency Dominance," Working Papers 25-20, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedpwp:101163
    DOI: 10.21799/frbp.wp.2025.20
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Systems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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