The Behavior of Currencies during Risk-off Episodes
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Summary:
Episodes of increased global risk aversion, also known as risk-off episodes, have become more frequent and severe since 2007. During these episodes, currency markets exhibit recurrent patterns, as the Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and U.S. dollar appreciate against other G-10 and emerging market currencies. The pattern of these moves can be explained by a combination of fundamental factors, such as the nominal interest rate, the international investment position and measures of exchange rate misalignment, and market-liquidity factors, such as bid-offer spreads and restrictions on international capital flows. We also find that currency performance in a risk-off episode has become more related to a currency?s yield and relationship to broader risks in recent years.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2013/008
Subject:
Balance of payments Central bank policy rate Currencies Current account balance Depreciation Exchange rates Financial services Foreign exchange Money National accounts
English
Publication Date:
January 11, 2013
ISBN/ISSN:
9781557755308/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2013008
Pages:
34
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