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Words vs. Deeds: What Really Matters?

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  • Mahvash S Qureshi
  • Mr. Atish R. Ghosh
  • Mr. Charalambos G Tsangarides

Abstract

This paper revisits the link between the nominal exchange rate regime and inflation, based on a sample of 145 emerging market and developing countries (EMDCs) over the period 1980-2010. We contend that, just as a de jure peg that is not backed by a de facto peg will have little value, de facto pegs that lack the corresponding de jure will likewise reap few of the low inflation benefits associated with pegging the exchange rate. To test our hypothesis, we exploit a novel dataset of both de jure and de facto exchange rate regime classifications. We find that pegged exchange rates are associated with significantly lower inflation in EMDCs than flexible exchange rates, and that this effect is much stronger for de facto pegs that are matched by de jure pegs than for those that are not. When it comes to anchoring expectations and delivering low inflation, therefore, both deeds and words matter.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahvash S Qureshi & Mr. Atish R. Ghosh & Mr. Charalambos G Tsangarides, 2011. "Words vs. Deeds: What Really Matters?," IMF Working Papers 2011/112, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2011/112
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Vujanić Vlado & Gligorić Dragan, 2017. "The Impact of the Applied Exchange Rate Regimes on the Internal Balance of Transition Countries," Economics, Sciendo, vol. 5(2), pages 55-68, December.
    7. Kristin Forbes & Marcel Fratzscher & Roland Straub, 2013. "Capital Controls and Macroprudential Measures: What Are They Good For?," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 1343, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    8. Mr. Manuk Ghazanchyan & Ms. Janet Gale Stotsky, 2013. "Drivers of Growth: Evidence from Sub-Saharan African Countries," IMF Working Papers 2013/236, International Monetary Fund.
    9. Cristina Bodea, 2014. "Fixed exchange rates, independent central banks and price stability in postcommunist countries: Conservatism and credibility," Economics and Politics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(2), pages 185-211, July.
    10. Santana-Gallego, Maria & Pérez-Rodríguez, Jorge V., 2019. "International trade, exchange rate regimes, and financial crises," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 85-95.
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    12. Ms. Janet Gale Stotsky & Mr. Manuk Ghazanchyan & Mr. Olumuyiwa S Adedeji & Mr. Nils O Maehle, 2012. "The Relationship Between the Foreign Exchange Regime and Macroeconomic Performance in Eastern Africa," IMF Working Papers 2012/148, International Monetary Fund.

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