World uncertainty and commodity currencies

This paper contributes to the literature by analysing shock propagation mechanisms between world uncertainty, exchange rates and country-specific commodity terms of trade. Using monthly data from 2008 to 2020 for eight commodity currencies’ exchange rates, we analyse the impulse responses based on local projections. The study results show that a shock from the exchange rates which are net transmitters of shocks through the direct United States (US) dollar effect causes world uncertainty to rise and subsequently fall due to the indirect commodity terms of trade effect. Also, in response to world uncertainty shock, the exchange rates fall in the risk-on period and subsequently overshoot during the risk-off period when investors seek the safe haven of the dollar. The world uncertainty shock on the exchange rate is predominantly experienced in the economies that largely trade commodities with the US, particularly Russia and Canada. The study finds evidence that the dollar is a prime cause of world uncertainty. Hence, for policy implications, the study discusses that policymakers, investors, or traders pay attention to the dollar which is the main invoicing currency in the international market.