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Journal of Political Economy Vol. 89 No. 6 1981

Macroeconomic Policy, Exchange-Rate Dynamics, and Optimal Asset Accumulation

Maurice Obstfeld

University of California, Berkeley

Abstract

The paper develops a model of exchange-rate and current-account determination for a small economy peopled by infinitely lived, utility-maximizing households. In this setting, a central-bank purchase of foreign exchange has no real effects when central-bank foreign reserves earn interest at the world rate and proceeds are returned to the public. In contrast, an increase in the monetary growth rate does have real effects, even in the long run. The model developed here implies that an increase in government spending may lead to a surplus on current account. The external adjustment process predicted by the model is one in which consumption, real balances, and external assets all rise or fall simultaneously.

DOI
10.1086/261026
Volume
89
Issue
6
Pages
1142-1161
Language
en
Sources
openalex crossref

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