International Finance Term Paper
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Running head: International Finance Term Paper
1
International Trade Finance Term Paper
Impact of Exchange Rate on Macroeconomic variables
Student Name –
Student ID –
International Finance Term Paper
2
Table of Contents
Introduction
......................................................................................................................................
3
Fixed exchange rate
.........................................................................................................................
4
Floating exchange rate
.....................................................................................................................
4
Significance of exchange rate system
..............................................................................................
5
Impact of exchange rate on macroeconomic variables
....................................................................
6
Impact on GDP
.............................................................................................................................
6
Impact on Inflation
.......................................................................................................................
7
Impact on unemployment
.............................................................................................................
7
International Trade Finance
.............................................................................................................
8
Risks and Challenges of Trade Finance
...........................................................................................
8
How Trade Financing Reduces Risk
................................................................................................
9
Other Benefits to Trade Finance
....................................................................................................
10
Floating exchange rate in Canada and present economic situation
...............................................
10
Conclusion
.....................................................................................................................................
12
References
......................................................................................................................................
13
International Finance Term Paper
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Introduction
In this finance term paper, the facts and details about the selected topic will be discussed. The
topic selected for this finance term paper is the impact of the exchange rate on macroeconomic
variables. The impact of the exchange rate on macroeconomic variables will be discussed in the
context of Canada or the Canadian economy. An exchange rate is described as the price of one
country’s currency in terms of another country’s currency. On the other hand, the exchange rate
means how a consumer can buy units of another country’s currency with the help of their home
currency. The exchange rate policies plays important role in international trade and dealing with
the global economy. There are two types of exchange rates such as fixed and flexible exchange
rates. Both the fixed and flexible exchange rate has become an interesting topic around the
world. Several financial researchers and economists are finding new facts and logic about the
same. As of the present, many countries are opening doors to several big MNCs and joining
hands with each other via international trade agreements; it shows that the global economy is
opening to everyone. Big investors or the business organizations that are expanding their
business scales in other countries look over the exchange rate before taking any decision. The
exchange rate impacts macroeconomic variables like inflation and GDP. The main aim of this
international finance term paper is to find out the impact of the exchange rate on macroeconomic
variables such as unemployment, inflation, and economic growth.
Exchange
Rate
Exchange
Rate
Fixed
Exchange
Rate
Fixed
Exchange
Rate
Flexible
Exchange
Rate
Flexible
Exchange
Rate
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Fixed exchange rate
The fixed exchange rate is one type of exchange rate regime. The fixed rate is the rate that a
country uses to tie the value of its currency to the most commonly or widely used currency. For
example, the US dollar is the most used country all over the world or in international trade
transactions. Today, most countries peg their home currencies to the US dollar to check the value
of their currency. In other words, in the fixed exchange rate system, the currency of one country
is fixed against another country’s currency. The currencies can be fixed to either gold or the US
dollar. This system is used by the monetary authorities or central banks of any country and they
peg their home currencies against this to buy or sell the domestic currencies. There can be
fluctuations in the fixed exchange rate. In order to maintain the fixed exchange rate, the
monetary authorities or central bank of any country can intervene and make changes in the
interest rate. As the fixed exchange rate has the potential to impact the macroeconomic variables
of the economy so intervention is important. There are several countries such as UAE, Qatar,
Hong Kong, Cuba, and Oman that follows the fixed exchange rate system and they have pegged
their currencies to the US dollar.
Floating exchange rate
A floating exchange rate is another type of exchange rate system. The floating exchange rate
refers to the rate of the currency which is determined by the demand and supply factors relative
to the other currencies. The floating exchange rate fluctuates due to fluctuations in the
international finance market. The floating exchange rate works in the open market system and is
influenced by the forces of demand and supply. The collapse of the Bretton woods agreement is
the reason the floating exchange system came into existence. Before it, the countries used to
follow the exchange rate system but after some time, the countries stopped pegging their
currencies to the US dollar and started floating instead.
Canada also follows the floating exchange rate system. To keep the inflation low and economic
growth stable, Canada for many decades has been following the floating exchange rate system
and it has let her currency float in the market-determined forces. There are four benefits of the
floating exchange system which include independence in monetary policy, clear and effective
policy, economic and financial development, and flexibility in adjustment to the external shocks
made by the global economies [ CITATION Law19 \l 16393 ]. Over the last few decades, the
International Finance Term Paper
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Canadian dollar has fluctuated effectively against the US dollar. Following is the chart showing
fluctuations in the Canadian dollar against the US dollar over the last few decades –
Source: [ CITATION Sta22 \l 16393 ]
Significance of exchange rate system
The exchange rate system plays important role in analyzing and measuring the condition or
status of the domestic economy. An exchange rate system helps the monetary authority of any
country to stabilize the economic conditions as well as avoid any conflict with the domestic
objectives due to the fluctuations in the international finance market or foreign trade
[ CITATION Emm21 \l 16393 ]. In order to grow internationally as well as look after the national
economy, adopting the exchange rate system is as important as adopting the monetary policy
[ CITATION IMF00 \l 16393 ]. The exchange rate system helps in controlling the
macroeconomic variables that affect the national economy. In order to maintain the independence
International Finance Term Paper
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in monetary policy, enjoy sustainable economic growth, and remain competitive in the
international market, it is important to adopt an exchange rate system that is suitable for the
countries respectively.
Impact of exchange rate on macroeconomic variables
The exchange rate system provides information about the prices of currencies in terms of foreign
currencies. But in addition, it also provides information about its effects on the macroeconomic
variables of national economies such as GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, and unemployment
rates [ CITATION Rav15 \l 16393 ]. Short-term fluctuations related to the exchange rate as well
as its’ impact on the macroeconomic variables can be seen and survived easily. But in the long
run, its’ impact on macroeconomic variables can impact the export-import, trade, banking, and
other sectors of domestic economies. So, systematic interventions are important to reduce the
impact of the exchange rate. To have a significant growth in the international market, it is
important to have a stable trade policy and the impact of the exchange rate system can be seen in
stable trade policies [ CITATION Men22 \l 16393 ]. The research on the exchange rate system
has shown that there is a significant relationship between the exchange rate and macroeconomic
variables like inflation and GDP.
Impact on GDP
There is a significant relationship between the exchange rate system and gross domestic product
(GDP). The GDP is one of the important macroeconomic variables when it is to determine the
exchange rate and fluctuations in the exchange rate can impact the GDP. So, both have a positive
relationship with each other. The choice of the exchange rate can impact the economic growth or
gross domestic product [ CITATION Muh10 \l 16393 ]. Several kinds of research to date have
shown that the countries that follow a fixed exchange rate system may not have a fast growth
rate in GDP, but they have probably higher investments. However, in the case of the floating
exchange rate system, the countries were seen as having the fastest economic growth or
improvement in GDP. The balance of payment is the main indicator of the exchange rate and
which further determines its’ impact on economic growth. The balance of payment determines
the FDI coming into the country or the net revenue balance generated as well as the foreign
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deficit [ CITATION Rav15 \l 16393 ]. And these factors affect the exchange rate which further
affects the gross domestic product growth of the country.
Impact on Inflation
Inflation is another important macroeconomic variable that determines the economic status of
any country. The exchange rate system does have a significant impact on the inflation rate in any
country. In the case of a fixed exchange rate, where one currency is pegged against another
currency, the fixed exchange rate system lowers the inflation rate and helps in providing a stable
& discipline policy regime. Today, in emerging economies, there is a vital relationship between
exchange rates and inflation. With the increase in the exchange rate, the prices of goods and
services become cheaper for the international consumer which further results in an increase in
exports and total demand & prices. The increase in the exchange rate raises the inflation rate in
the country. The fixed exchange rate system may act as a constraint and prevent the fast-rising of
the domestic money supply. But still, it can also lead to more inflation when the pegged currency
is indulging in expansionary monetary policy.
Impact on unemployment
Unemployment is another macroeconomic variable. There are several theories when it comes to
describing the relationship between the exchange rate and the unemployment rate. The real
exchange rate has an impact on the unemployment rate. It provides that the fluctuations in the
real exchange rate can impact the volatility of the domestic currency which further impacts the
product as well as the unemployment rate. And it provides that there are negative effects of the
exchange rate on unemployment [ CITATION Zah16 \l 16393 ]. When the currency appreciates
due to the fluctuations in the exchange rate, the imports become cheaper which affects the
domestic businessmen, and manufacturers and cause unemployment among them. In the case of
a fixed exchange rate system, there are fewer cases of it affecting the unemployment rate.
However, in the floating exchange rate system, the currency is not pegged and is determined by
the demand and supply forces in the global economy. And if any country’s currency appreciates,
people living there will start to import more, and this affects the demand and supply forces in the
international market and influences other currencies or their exchange rates and can lead to
significant impact on unemployment.
International Finance Term Paper
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International Trade Finance
Companies engage in international trade and commerce by using financial instruments and
products that facilitate them. Trade finance facilitates business transactions between importers
and exporters. Banks and companies utilize various financial products to facilitate trade
transactions under the umbrella term of trade finance.
A trade transaction involves two parties: (1) the exporter, who needs to be paid for their products,
and (2) the importer, who wants to ensure the goods are of the right quality and quantity. Finance
of international trade is the financing of international trade flows. Risk mitigation is a tool for
reducing the risks involved in international trade transactions.
Risks and Challenges of Trade Finance
Product risks:
Product-related risks are those the seller automatically has to accept as an
integral part of their commitment; an example would be a performance warranty, maintenance
agreement, or service obligation. In order to ensure the quality of their products, the buyer needs
to consider external factors such as negligence during production and extreme weather during the
shipment. After contracts are signed, disputes may arise between the parties over these issues.
Having a contract drafted correctly is crucial to ensuring that any changes that affect the Product
will automatically result in compensation for the seller.
Manufacturing risks
– Especially vulnerable to manufacturing risks are custom-made products
or those with unique specifications. If any adjustments are needed, the seller would usually be
responsible for covering the costs. When risks related to product planning are addressed, a buyer
is often required to enter into payment obligations earlier in the transaction.
Buyers and sellers typically provide separate guarantees and payment terms during product
development, production, and delivery.
As well to the Product itself, the transport of goods presents additional risks. Cargo insurance
reduces the risks associated with cargo and transport, as defined by standard international policy
provisions (issued by the American Institute of Marine Underwriters or the Institute of London
Underwriters). Sellers should be aware of how cargo insurance is handled by whose
responsibility it is to arrange the insurance - the delivery terms sometimes determine this. In
addition to cargo insurance, some delivery terms require the buyer to arrange insurance. In the
International Finance Term Paper
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event of a change of the transport route or port of embarkation, for example, and the items arrive
in damaged condition, the buyer may not be able to claim the insurance.
Foreign exchange risk
– In recent years, markets have been difficult, and foreign exchange
levels have been uncertain more than ever. All of these factors mean that a company's currency
risk management strategy needs to be strong. As the financial markets become increasingly
regulated and scrutinized by governments, and as margins continue to tighten, even more
pressure is being applied to reduce risk. Traditional currency risk management has often been a
secondary concern. Risk management policies need to be implemented for the range of financial
instruments available today. Market volatility and the need to operate in various currencies make
policies flexible and important.
Volatility in exchange rates affects all types of businesses, and this is important when there are
changes in the value of assets, liabilities, and cash flows; it is certainly the case when the assets
are denominated in a foreign currency. Contracts in which you have agreed to sell products
internationally or in which exchange rate fluctuations are included can also be affected by
volatility. It will have a negative impact on your profit margin. Before developing its strategy, a
company should analyze what proportion of its business is based on imports or exports, the types
of currencies used, when payments are to be made, and what type of currency is used for these
transactions.
How Trade Financing Reduces Risk
By reconciling the divergent needs of exporters and importers, trade finance can reduce the risks
associated with global trade. Importers always pay for exports upfront, reducing the risk of the
importer accepting the shipment but refusing to pay for it. The exporter, however, may refuse to
ship the goods if the importer pays upfront. The problem can be solved by having the importer's
bank issue a letter of credit to the exporter's bank confirming the shipping occurred once the
exporter presents documents proving it did. If the exporter has met the terms of the agreement
and the issuing bank receives proof that the goods were shipped, the exporter will be paid. When
a buyer obtains a letter of credit, his or her bank pays the seller on behalf of the buyer. The
buyer's bank must confirm that the buyer is financially sound enough to meet the purchase
agreement. The role of trade finance is to build trust between importers and exporters to facilitate
trade. With trade finance, importers and exporters can take advantage of various financial options
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tailored to fit their needs. Multiple products can be combined or layered to facilitate a smooth
transaction.
Other Benefits to Trade Finance
Also, trade finance helps companies boost their efficiency and revenues by reducing risks
associated with non-payments or non-receipts. There are no circumstances in which trade finance
does not improve cash flow and increase efficiency. It can also be extended as a credit line.
Companies that factor in their accounts receivables can receive a cash payment using trade
finance. Trade transactions can be facilitated using a letter of credit to reduce the risk of
nonpayment and non-receipt of goods by exporters and importers. Due to this solution, the cash
flow of the importer is improved since the importer is assured of payment from the buyer's bank.
Furthermore, trade finance ensures fewer delays in payments and shipments, helping importers
and exporters plan their cash flow more efficiently.
To finance the company's growth, trade finance uses goods as collateral. A company's revenue
and profits can be increased through trade finance. For instance, a U.S. company might be unable
to produce the goods for an order with an overseas company. The exporter can, however,
complete the order through export financing or assistance from private or governmental trade
finance agencies. By providing creative financial solutions, trade finance enables the U.S.
business to win new business. Financial Hardship Can Be Reduced Without trade financing, and
a business may fall behind on payments and lose a key customer or supplier. In times of financial
difficulty, companies can benefit from options like revolving credit and accounts receivable
factoring.
Floating exchange rate in Canada and present economic situation
Canada has earned an effective growth rate due to the floating exchange rate system. Canada is
among the top-tier global economies in the twenty-first century due to being an open economy
and following a floating exchange rate system. It showcases an example of an effective floating
exchange rate system along with systematic monetary policy can help in achieving a lower
inflation rate and stable domestic production in the country [ CITATION Law10 \l 16393 ]. A
few decades ago, Canada was among the major industrial countries that left the Bretton woods
system and adopted the flexible or floating exchange rate system to perform well economically.
International Finance Term Paper
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With the help of the floating exchange rate system, it has achieved a lower unemployment rate as
well. Recently as the world is recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, Canada is also recovering
from the severe economic impacts of covid-19 on its’ economy. In the fourth quarter of 2021,
Canada has seen 1.6% growth in the real gross domestic product and it has improved better than
in the quarter 3rd of 2021. As in amongst the recovery of the post-pandemic world, there is a 4%
rise in the growth rate of Canada [ CITATION Ban21 \l 16393 ]. However, in the initial months
of 2022, there is only a 0.8% rise in the growth rate of Canada which is the lowest performance.
This is all due to a decline in the export volume and less governmental spending on the
household. Canada’s rise in economic growth rate potential is all dependent upon the global
economy as well as the US economy.
Source: [ CITATION Tra22 \l 16393 ]
International Finance Term Paper
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Source: [ CITATION Kel22 \l 16393 ]
Conclusion
In this international finance term paper, detailed information about Canada’s exchange rate
system is discussed. Both the fixed and flexible exchange rate system has their merits and
demerits. Several countries still follow the fixed exchange rate system. And the major global
economic countries including Canada follow the floating exchange rate system. In this, the
impact of the exchange rate system on macroeconomic variables like inflation, GDP, and
unemployment rates are discussed. The exchange rate plays a significant part in the national
economic aspects. The fluctuations in the exchange rate system impact the national economies
and to maintain the exchange rate, continuous systematic interventions are needed almost all the
time. As discussed in this paper, Canada has adopted the floating exchange rate system after
leaving the Bretton woods system; it has been able to gain several benefits like independent
monetary policy, low inflation, and unemployment, stable economic growth, etc. The present
economic conditions of Canada are also discussed. To conclude, it is important to select the
appropriate exchange rate system that suits the fiscal and monetary policy framework of the
country.
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References
Bakhshi, Z., & Ebrahimi, M. (2016). The effect of real exchange rate on unemployment.
Marketing and Branding Research, 3
, 4-13.
Bank For Canadian Entrepreneurs. (2021).
2021 economic outlook: Playing catch-up
. Retrieved
from
BDC.com:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/blog/2021-economic-outlook-
canada
Bizuneh, M. (2022). Are We Floating Yet? Duration of Fixed Exchange Rate Regimes.
Eastern
Economic Journal, 48
, 63-89.
IMF. (2000).
Exchange Rate Regimes in an Increasingly Integrated World Economy
. Retrieved
from IMF: https://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/ib/2000/062600.htm
Karakostas, E. (2021). The Significance of the Exchange Rates: A Survey of the Literature.
Modern Economy, 12
, 1628-1647.
Khan, M. A. (2010). Impact of Per Capita Income on Exchange Rate with Regression Tool.
SSRN
, 1-11.
Ramasamy, R., & Abar, S. K. (2015). Influence of Macroeconomic Variables on Exchange
Rates .
Journal of Economics, Business and Management, 3
(2), 276-281.
Schembri, L. (2010). Canada’s Experience with a Flexible Exchange Rate in the 1950s: Valuable
Lessons Learned.
Bank of Canada Review
, 3-15.
Schembri, L. L., & Alberta, E. (2019).
The merits of a floating exchange rate
. Retrieved from
Bank of Canada: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2019/06/merits-of-a-floating-exchange-
rate/
Statista. (2022).
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Canadian dollar (CAD) exchange rate from January 2012
to
February
24,
2022
.
Retrieved
from
Statista.com:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/960306/quarterly-exchange-rate-usd-to-cad/
Szabolcs, K. (2022).
US Dollar to Canadian Dollar (USD/CAD) 5 years forex chart
. Retrieved
from Chartoasis.com: https://www.chartoasis.com/usd-cad-forex-chart-5-years-cop0/
International Finance Term Paper
14
Trading Economics. (2022).
Canada GDP Growth Rate
. Retrieved from Trading
Economics.com: https://tradingeconomics.com/canada/gdp-growth
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