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Which Fundamentals Drive Exchange Rates? A Cross‐Sectional Perspective

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  • LUCIO SARNO
  • MAIK SCHMELING

Abstract

Standard present‐value models suggest that exchange rates are driven by expected future fundamentals, implying that exchange rates contain information about future fundamentals. We test this key empirical prediction of present‐value models in a sample of 35 currency pairs ranging from 1900 to 2009. Employing a variety of tests, we find that exchange rates have strong and significant predictive power for nominal fundamentals (inflation, money balances, nominal GDP), whereas predictability of real fundamentals and risk premia is much weaker and largely confined to the post–Bretton Woods era. Overall, we uncover ample evidence that future macrofundamentals drive current exchange rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucio Sarno & Maik Schmeling, 2014. "Which Fundamentals Drive Exchange Rates? A Cross‐Sectional Perspective," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 46(2-3), pages 267-292, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jmoncb:v:46:y:2014:i:2-3:p:267-292
    DOI: 10.1111/jmcb.12106
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    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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