The exchange rate between two currencies is determined by the interaction between a multitude of different variables. Some variables have more influence on the determination of currency rates than the others. One such variable is the interest rate.
In general, changes in the interest rate create huge fluctuations in the value of all currencies not just their own. In fact, all major currency crises have invariably been preceded by a major change in the interest rates. Also, there are some currencies like the Euro/Dollar pair that are always sensitive to interest rate changes. In this article, we will understand why interest rate changes influence the Forex market to such an extent.
From the above points it is apparent that there is a direct correlation between the interest rates prevalent in any given economy as well as the currency value of that economy. Therefore, if the Chinese government raises the interest rate, then the value of the Yuan is likely to see an appreciation. This is because investors from all over the world will rush to park their funds in Chinese banks creating a huge demand for Yuan in the process.
However, the high interest rates only drive the currency value higher up to a certain point. Beyond this point, businesses start finding it unviable to raise funds at such high costs.
The real challenge is to estimate the point at which high interest rates stop attracting foreign investors and start discouraging local businesses.
In the above points, we discussed nominal interest rates. However, in reality it is the real interest rate that moves markets and causes fluctuations in currency rates and not the nominal rate.
For example, let’s say that a country has raised its interest rate to 10%. However, there is 9% inflation in the country. The real interest rate would then only be 1% and the country would not experience an appreciation in its currency despite the fact that it has a high interest rate.
Real interest rates are not published and nor are there exact numbers available. Investors have to estimate the real interest rate. However, the market does a pretty good job at this. The empirical record is crystal clear. Countries that have had high real interest rates in the past have attracted high investments and therefore have witnessed appreciation in the value of their currency.
However, a high interest rate environment cannot be artificially created unless there are enough borrowers in the economy who can profitably deploy this money borrowed at high costs for productive purposes and generate an even higher return!
Another thing that needs to be kept in mind is the fact that markets also consider future possibilities when they set prices. Therefore, the currency rates that are prevalent in the Forex market not only reflect the interest rate environment that is present in the country at any given moment, but also reflect the possibility of interest rate changes in the future.
For instance, if there is a possibility that the Fed might cut interest rates in the future, then in all likelihood the monetary value of this possibility is already priced into the dollar.
The interaction between interest rates and exchange rates is complex and can lead to several outcomes. However, the simplified version implies a direct correlation until a ceiling is reached and beyond that tipping point, a rise creates a negative impact.
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