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Current Accounts: What Is Their Relevance for Economic Policymaking?

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  • Mr. Fabio Scacciavillani
  • Mr. Malcolm D. Knight

Abstract

This paper surveys the main theoretical approaches for analyzing movements in the current account of the balance of payments, from the Mundell-Fleming paradigm to modern intertemporal approaches. It discusses the main implications of these analyses for policymaking, highlighting that modern economic theory views current account imbalances not simply as a reflection of goods market developments, but also as an outcome of intertemporal consumption and investment choices and associated capital market behavior. To reflect on the policy strategies applied under diverse circumstances, the paper analyzes the recent experiences of Italy, Israel, and Pakistan.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Fabio Scacciavillani & Mr. Malcolm D. Knight, 1998. "Current Accounts: What Is Their Relevance for Economic Policymaking?," IMF Working Papers 1998/071, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:1998/071
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    2. Jacek Rostowski, 1999. "The Approach to EU and EMU Membership: the Implications for Macroeconomic Policy in Applicant Countries," CASE-CEU Working Papers 0026, CASE-Center for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Niţă Sorin Cristian & Radulică Marilena Ionica & Dorneanu Mihai, 2020. "Current account deficits and implications on Romanian economy," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 14(1), pages 995-1004, July.
    4. Grech, Aaron George, 2000. "The private and public savings gaps in Malta and their impact on the current account," MPRA Paper 33208, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Octavio De Barros & Fernando Honorato Barbosa, 2009. "Les déterminants à long terme des comptes externes brésiliens," Revue d'Économie Financière, Programme National Persée, vol. 95(2), pages 103-122.
    6. Guy Debelle & Gabriele Galati, 2007. "Current Account Adjustment and Capital Flows," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(5), pages 989-1013, November.
    7. Aleksandar Stojkov, 2006. "A Survey Of Competing Theoretical Approaches To Current Account Determination," Journal Articles, Center For Economic Analyses, pages 1-32, June.
    8. Bineau, Yannick, 2008. "Équilibre extérieur et taux de change réel : apport du modèle de croissance contrainte par la balance des paiements," L'Actualité Economique, Société Canadienne de Science Economique, vol. 84(3), pages 263-285, septembre.
    9. Fadlallah, Abdellali & Chakhat, Zakaria, 2017. "Determination of the viability threshold of the external position in Morocco," MPRA Paper 83640, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 13 Dec 2017.
    10. Huseyin Kalyoncu & Naveed Naqvi & Christopher Tsoukis, 2004. "Industrial Production and the Current Account: Theory and Panel Data Evidence from the OECD," Money Macro and Finance (MMF) Research Group Conference 2004 72, Money Macro and Finance Research Group.
    11. Deren Unalmis & Ibrahim Unalmis & Derya Filiz Unsal, 2008. "Oil Price Shocks, Macroeconomic Stability and Welfare in a Small Open Economy," Working Papers 0802, Research and Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
    12. Sebastian Edwards, 2004. "Thirty Years of Current Account Imbalances, Current Account Reversals, and Sudden Stops," IMF Staff Papers, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 51(s1), pages 1-49, June.
    13. Sebastian Edwards, 2004. "Thirty Years of Current Account Imbalances, Current Account Reversals and Sudden Stops," NBER Working Papers 10276, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    14. Kwalingana, Samson & Nkuna, Onelie, 2009. "The Determinants of Current Account Imbalances in Malawi," MPRA Paper 14694, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    15. Chayawadee Chai-anant & Ubonrat Jantarang, 2004. "Current Account Adjustment and Policy Instrument Responsiveness," Working Papers 2004-04, Monetary Policy Group, Bank of Thailand.
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    17. JORDAN, Alwyn & STANFORD, Sunielle, 2006. "A Derivation Of The Optimal Current Account Balance For Barbados, Jamaica And Trinidad And Tobago," Applied Econometrics and International Development, Euro-American Association of Economic Development, vol. 6(1).

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