CURRENCY ECONOMICS
So far in this blog, the focus has been on trying to create new exchange rate models based on capital flows to try to improve forecasting accuracy. As necessary as this is, it does not mean we abandon the traditional exchange rate models. Classical economic theory has provided the foundations for exchange rate analysis. The purpose of establishing a framework known as currency economics is to be able to combine the new with the exchange rate models and use both in a more targeted and focused way. Any major differences between this framework of currency economics and classical economics are more methodological than ideological. The traditional exchange rate models, focusing as they do on such factors as trade, productivity, prices, money supply and the current account balance, help provide the long-term exchange rate view. Capital flow-based models are considerably more helpful and accurate in terms of predicting short-term exchange rate moves.
However, these two types of exchange rate model should not necessarily be viewed as polar opposites. The very purpose of establishing a specific framework known as currency economics is to create an integrated approach to exchange rate analysis, which is capable of answering the riddles of short-, medium- and long-term exchange rate moves. The two sides do have some common ground, and it should be no surprise that this common ground is to be found in the balance of payments model — given that it focuses both on trade and capital flows. Within this, there are three specific analytical tools which should be of use to currency market practitioners in bridging the gap between short- and long-term exchange rate analysis:
The standard accounting identity for economic adjustment
The J-curve
The REER