IMF Working Papers

Exchange-Rate Dark Matter

Author/Editor:

Martin D Evans

Publication Date:

March 1, 2012

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

Dark matter accounts for 83 percent of the matter in the universe and plays a central role in cosmology modeling. This paper argues that an analogous form of dark matter plays a similarly important role in international macroeconomics. Exchange-rate dark matter is invisible, but its existence can be inferred from observations on real exchange rates and interest rates. I first show that dark matter is the dominant driver of short- and medium-term changes in real exchange rates for the G-7 countries; accounting for more than 90 percent of the variance at the five-year horizon. I then develop a model in which risk shocks account for dark matter's role as a driver of exchange-rate dynamics and other macro variables.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2012/066

Subject:

Consumption Depreciation Financial services Foreign exchange National accounts Real exchange rates Real interest rates Return on investment