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The Art of Currency Manipulation: How Some Profiteer by Deliberately Distorting Exchange Rates

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  • Basu Kaushik

    (The World Bank, 1818 H Street, DC 20433, NW, Washington; and Department of Economics, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853)

Abstract

A frequent charge in foreign exchange markets in developing countries is that of manipulators being at work. Since to buy is to raise prices and to sell is to lower prices, the question that naturally arises is whether the widespread charge of market manipulation is valid. The paper shows that (whether or not “widespreadness” has any merit) it is possible for a player to manipulate and profiteer. By using some simple principles of game theory, the paper outlines a strategy that a manipulator may use. The aim of this paper is not to provide a manual for the manipulator but to enable the regulator to understand the art and develop policies to curb manipulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Basu Kaushik, 2014. "The Art of Currency Manipulation: How Some Profiteer by Deliberately Distorting Exchange Rates," Journal of Globalization and Development, De Gruyter, vol. 4(2), pages 199-211, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:globdv:v:4:y:2014:i:2:p:199-211:n:3
    DOI: 10.1515/jgd-2013-0040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cournot oligopoly; currency depreciation; exchange rates; market manipulation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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