A summary for understanding exchange rates. Factors that affect exchange rates and the impact of exchange rates on the economy. Terminology Depreciation/devaluation – fall in value of exchange rate – exchange rate becomes weaker (see also: definition of devaluation and depreciation) Appreciation – increase in the value of exchange rate – exchange rate becomes stronger. …
The effective exchange rate measures the value of a currency against a basket of other currencies. This exchange rate index is usually trade-weighted to take into account the relative importance of other currencies. When looking at the effective Sterling exchange rate we compare the value of Sterling against our main trading partners – The Euro, …
Periods of high oil prices frequently lead to periods of recession shortly after. There are two main reasons for this. Higher oil prices reduce disposable income leading to lower spending. Higher oil prices push up inflation causing Central Banks to increase interest rates. Oil prices and recession With oil prices rising above $100 because of …
Summary – Periods of high inflation usually lead to lower returns on the stock market because higher inflation is likely to lead to higher interest rates, lower economic growth and lower dividends. Impact of high inflation on share prices If the inflation rate increases, this will make investors wary for a few reasons. Firstly, if …
Inflation measures how much the price of goods and services have increased over a period of time; and will have a significant impact on changes in the cost of living. An inflation rate of 5% means that on average the typical household basket of goods (e.g. food, TVs) and services (haircut, restaurant meal) is 5% …
Recessions (a fall in real GDP) are primarily caused by a fall in aggregate demand (AD). A demand-side shock could occur due to several factors, such as A financial crisis. If banks have a shortage of liquidity, they reduce lending and this reduces investment. A rise in interest rates – increases the cost of borrowing …
Russia is a medium sized economic with a GDP of $1.48 trillion (USD) about half the size of the UK $2.7 trillion (2020) The strengths of the economy is based on exports of oil and natural gas. And with these sales, since 2014, Russia has built up foreign currency reserves of $630bn – a large …
Inflation is a sustained rise in prices and increase in the cost of living. The general costs of higher inflation will be reduced purchasing power of money, fall in the value of savings, a depreciation in the exchange rate, less certainty for firms and the inconvenience of dealing with changing prices. In addition, developing economies …