We test for mean reversion in real exchange rates using a recently developed unit root test for non-normal processes based on quantile autoregression inference in semi-parametric and non-parametric settings. The quantile regression approach allows us to directly capture the impact of different magnitudes of shocks that hit the real exchange rate, conditional on its past history, and can detect asymmetric, dynamic adjustment of the real exchange rate towards its long run equilibrium. It, therefore provides a detailed mapping of the real exchange rate behaviour, while being a robust alternative to previous unit root tests. The latter is confirmed by a simulation analysis comparing the power of the alternative tests. As concerns the real exchange rate, our results suggest that large shocks tend to induce strong mean reverting tendencies in the exchange rate, with half lives less than one year in the extreme quantiles. Mean reversion is faster when large shocks originate at points of large real exchange rate deviations from the long run equilibrium. However, in the absence of shocks no mean reversion is observed. Finally, we report asymmetries in the dynamic adjustment of the RER.

Funding liquidity risk has played a key role in all historical banking crises. Nevertheless, a measure for funding liquidity risk based on publicly available data remains so far elusive. We address this gap by showing that aggressive bidding at central bank auctions reveals funding liquidity risk. We can extract an insurance premium from banks’ bids which we propose as a measure of funding liquidity risk. Using a unique data set consisting of all bids in all auctions for the main refinancing operation conducted at the ECB between June 2005 and October 2008 we find that funding liquidity risk is typically stable and low, with occasional spikes especially around key events during the recent crisis. We also document downward spirals between funding liquidity risk and market liquidity. As measurement without clear definitions is impossible, we initially provide definitions of funding liquidity and funding liquidity risk.

The Triparty Repo (TPR) market lies at the heart of the US short-term funding markets. This paper demostrates the existence of strong and stable relationships between investors (Money Market Funds) and dealers in this market, which can significantly affect terms of trade (the probability of a trade and the volume and, to some extent, the price of actual trades). Importantly, such relationships support the funding role of the TPR market, as dealers can rely on such relationships to secure funding in the face of liquidity shocks. We consider two shocks: (i) the Federal Reserve’s Overnight Reverse Repurchase (ON RRP) operations, a negative shock to the supply of funds for dealers; and (ii) Treasury auctions, a positive shock to the demand for funds by dealers. Our results suggest that relationships provide a built-in mechanism in the TPR market to support stability in face of funding shocks.