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A Theory of Fear of Floating

Author

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  • Javier Bianchi
  • Louphou Coulibaly

Abstract

Many central banks whose exchange rate regimes are classified as flexible are reluctant to let the exchange rate fluctuate. This phenomenon is known as “fear of floating”. We present a simple theory in which fear of floating emerges as an optimal policy outcome. The key feature of the model is an occasionally binding borrowing constraint linked to the exchange rate that introduces a feedback loop between aggregate demand and credit conditions. Contrary to the Mundellian paradigm, we show that a depreciation can be contractionary, and letting the exchange rate float can expose the economy to self-fulfilling crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Bianchi & Louphou Coulibaly, 2023. "A Theory of Fear of Floating," NBER Working Papers 30897, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30897
    Note: IFM ME
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    Cited by:

    1. Jursa, Lukáš & Janků, Jan, 2025. "From the core to the European periphery: Spillover effects of financial cycles," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    2. Asif Ahmad & Richard Mcmanus & Gulcin Ozkan, 2024. "Does fear of floating shape monetary policy and does it matter?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 44(3), pages 1055-1095.
    3. Mistak, Jakub & Ozkan, F. Gulcin, 2024. "Asymmetric monetary policy spillovers: the role of supply chains, credit networks and fear of floating," Working Paper Series 2995, European Central Bank.
    4. Parra-Polanía, Julián & Sánchez-Jabba, Andrés & Sarmiento, Miguel, 2024. "Are FX communications effective? Evidence from emerging markets," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    5. Jiao, Yang, 2024. "Financial crises, bailouts and monetary policy in open economies," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • F36 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • F45 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Macroeconomic Issues of Monetary Unions
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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