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The Real Effects of Exchange Rate Risk on Corporate Investment: International Evidence

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  • Taylor, Mark
  • Wang, Zigan
  • Xu, Qi

Abstract

We empirically investigate the real effects of exchange rate risk on investment activities of international firms. We provide cross-country, firm-level evidence that greater unexpected currency volatility leads to significantly lower capital expenditures. The effect is stronger for countries with higher economic openness and for firms that do not use currency derivatives to hedge. We empirically test the implications of two potential mechanisms: Real options and precautionary savings. Our findings are consistent with both explanations. Two historical events in the FX markets strengthen the identification of our results.

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  • Taylor, Mark & Wang, Zigan & Xu, Qi, 2020. "The Real Effects of Exchange Rate Risk on Corporate Investment: International Evidence," CEPR Discussion Papers 15053, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15053
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    exchange rate; Uncertainty; Corporate investment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange

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