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An asymmetry matrix in global current accounts

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  • Schnabl, Gunther
  • Freitag, Stephan

Abstract

The paper discusses global imbalances under the aspect of an asymmetric world monetary system. It identifies the US and euro area (Germany) as center countries with rising current account deficits (US) and surpluses (Germany) which are matched by respective current account surpluses of coun-tries stabilizing their exchange rates against the dollar (dollar periphery) and rising current account deficits of the countries stabilizing their exchange rate against the euro (euro periphery). The paper finds that the changes of the world current account positions are driven by the macroeconomic pol-icy decisions in the centers. In particular, expansionary monetary and fiscal policies in the US are argued to have triggered rising current account surpluses of the dollar periphery countries, as mone-tary and fiscal sterilization policies in the periphery contribute to rising saving surpluses.

Suggested Citation

  • Schnabl, Gunther & Freitag, Stephan, 2009. "An asymmetry matrix in global current accounts," Working Papers 76, University of Leipzig, Faculty of Economics and Management Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:leiwps:76
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    14. Ronald McKinnon & Gunther Schnabl, 2009. "The Case for Stabilizing China's Exchange Rate: Setting the Stage for Fiscal Expansion," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 17(1), pages 1-32, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Georg QUAAS, 2010. "Was The Worldwide Asymmetry In Current Accounts Caused By The Macroeconomic Policy Of The Global Economy’S Leader?," Journal of Applied Economic Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Faculty of Financial Management and Accounting Craiova, vol. 5(2(12)/Sum), pages 138-146.
    2. Ansgar Belke & Gunther Schnabl & Holger Zemanek, 2013. "Real Convergence, Capital Flows, and Competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(5), pages 886-900, November.
    3. Quaas, Georg, 2010. "Does the macroeconomic policy of the global economy’s leader cause the worldwide asymmetry in current accounts?," MPRA Paper 22133, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. repec:zbw:rwirep:0147 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Ansgar Belke & Gunther Schnabl & Holger Zemanek, 2009. "Real Convergence, Capital Flows, and Competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe," Ruhr Economic Papers 0147, Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universität Dortmund, Universität Duisburg-Essen.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Global Imbalances; Asymmetric World Monetary System; Twin Deficit; Twin Surplus; International Currency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements

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