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Are Emerging Asia’s Reserves Really Too High?

Author

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  • Marta Ruiz-Arranz
  • Milan Zavadjil

Abstract

Empirical analysis does not suggest that reserves are "too high" in the majority of Asian countries, though China may be a special case. Much of the reserve increase in Asia can be explained by an optimal insurance model under which reserves provide a steady source of liquidity to cushion the impact of a sudden stop in capital inflows on output and consumption. Moreover, the benefits of reserves in terms of reduced spreads on privately held external debt further explains the observed growth in reserves since 1997-98. Using threshold estimation techniques, the paper shows that most of Asia can still benefit from higher reserves in terms of reduced borrowing costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Ruiz-Arranz & Milan Zavadjil, 2008. "Are Emerging Asia’s Reserves Really Too High?," IMF Working Papers 2008/192, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2008/192
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Julián David García-Pulgarín & Javier Gómez-Restrepo & Daniel Vela-Barón, 2015. "An Asset Allocation Framework with Tranches for Foreign Reserves," Borradores de Economia 13440, Banco de la Republica.
    4. Javier Santiso, 2009. "Sovereign Development Funds : Key Financial Actors of the Shifting Wealth of Nations," Revue d'Économie Financière, Programme National Persée, vol. 9(1), pages 291-315.

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