Floating Exchange Rate

Definition

A floating exchange rate is a type of exchange rate regime in which a currency’s value is allowed to fluctuate in response to foreign exchange market mechanisms. It is determined by the private market through supply and demand. Such a system is mostly used by large, stable economies.

Phonetic

The phonetic pronunciation of “Floating Exchange Rate” would be: /ˈfloʊ.tɪŋ ɪksˈtʃeɪnʤ ˈreɪt/

Key Takeaways

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1. Market-Driven: The value of the currency in a Floating Exchange Rate system is determined by market demand and supply, with no intervention from governments or central banks. The prices fluctuate due to changes in inflation, interest rates, political stability, and economic performance.
2. Autonomy in Monetary Policy: A Floating Exchange Rate provides the flexibility to a country’s central bank to determine the monetary policy independent of exchange rate considerations. This allows the central bank to control inflation effectively and stabilize the domestic economy, without having to maintain exchange rate stability.
3. Risk of Currency Volatility: On the downside, Floating Exchange Rate systems can lead to unpredictability and volatility, especially in times of economic crisis or speculative attacks. This uncertainty can affect international trade and investment decisions.

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Importance

The Floating Exchange Rate is a significant term in business and finance because it represents a type of exchange rate regime in which a currency’s value is allowed to fluctuate according to the foreign exchange market. Its value is determined by the market forces of supply and demand. This offers a degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing global economic conditions. It also eliminates the need for government or central bank intervention to maintain or stabilize a currency’s value, which can allow for greater economic efficiency, responsiveness, and accuracy of market conditions. Additionally, countries with floating exchange rates often have more control over their domestic monetary policy, since they do not need to maintain a fixed exchange rate.

Explanation

Floating Exchange Rate, also known as flexible exchange rate, serves a key purpose within the global economy by providing an automatic mechanism for correcting any discrepancies in the balance of payments between different countries. It allows currencies to fluctuate in value in response to changes in the foreign exchange market, including variances in factors such as interest rates, inflation, political stability, and economic performance. These changes affect demand and supply for certain currencies, hence affecting their value in comparison to other currencies. The purpose is to help maintain the economy’s overall balance by facilitating the correction of any short-term irregularities and preventing the need for abrupt intervention by governments or central banks.The flexible exchange rate system is fundamentally driven by the market forces of demand and supply, and it’s not directly interfered with by a government. In practice, this system is particularly beneficial during times of economic shock or unexpected fluctuations, where the exchange rate can absorb the shock, reducing the immediate impact on the broader economy. For instance, if a country’s economy is weakening and money is flowing out, the value of its currency will decrease. Consequently, its goods and services become cheaper to foreign consumers, which could stimulate demand for its exports, and as a result, help to gradually stabilize the struggling economy.

Examples

1. Currency Exchange: The exchange rate between the US dollar and the British pound is a real-world example of a floating exchange rate. The exchange rate varies daily depending on supply and demand on global currency markets. For example, if demand for the British pound increases, its value would increase against the US dollar, assuming supply remains constant. This variation illustrates the concept of a floating exchange rate system.2. Commodity Prices: Australia, a commodity-rich country, experiences the floating exchange rate system particularly through its exports. For example, if global demand for commodities such as iron ore increases, the demand for the Australian dollar would likely increase, leading to a rise in the AUD’s value compared to other currencies. 3. Monetary Policy: In Japan, the Bank of Japan, the country’s central bank, can influence the floating exchange rate of the Yen. If the bank decides to increase interest rates, investment in the Yen could be more attractive, leading to increased demand, and therefore, a potential rise in the Yen’s exchange rate. Conversely, the rate could decrease if the Bank of Japan lowers the interest rates, making investments in the country less attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Forex Market
• Monetary Policy
• Inflation Rate
• Balance of Trade
• Supply and Demand

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• Corporate Finance Institute
• Economics Help
• The Balance