Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (Define Flexible Exchange Rate) Start with a brief definition of what a flexible exchange rate is. Highlight the contrast with a fixed exchange rate system. Key Points to Mention: A flexible exchange rate is determined by market forces of ...
Model Answer Capital account convertibility (CAC) refers to the ability to convert local currency into foreign currency freely for investment transactions. It allows for unrestricted capital inflows and outflows, making it a form of Capital Asset Liberalisation. Currently, India practices full conveRead more
Model Answer
Capital account convertibility (CAC) refers to the ability to convert local currency into foreign currency freely for investment transactions. It allows for unrestricted capital inflows and outflows, making it a form of Capital Asset Liberalisation. Currently, India practices full convertibility in the current account but maintains partial convertibility in the capital account. The Tarapore Committee Reports of 1997 and 2006 outlined a gradual approach toward achieving full CAC.
Advantages of Full Capital Account Convertibility
- Improved Access to International Markets: Full CAC encourages foreign investment, leading to enhanced economic growth and liberalization. This would attract global investors looking for opportunities in India.
- Financial Efficiency: An open capital account exposes the financial sector to global competition, fostering specialization and innovation. This can potentially reduce the cost of capital for businesses.
- Increased Investment Choices: Indian residents would have the flexibility to base their investment decisions on global interest rates, allowing them to invest in foreign securities and assets, thereby enhancing their financial well-being.
- Risk Hedging: Full CAC enables diversification of investment portfolios, allowing investors to protect the real value of their assets against domestic economic fluctuations.
Disadvantages of Full Capital Account Convertibility
- Outflow of Domestic Savings: The risk of capital flight increases, as seen during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, when speculative activities led to significant capital outflows from several countries.
- Tax Evasion: Full CAC could diminish the government’s ability to effectively tax domestic financial activities, thereby reducing public revenue.
- Cost-Push Inflation: Market-determined exchange rates may exceed official rates, potentially raising import prices and contributing to inflation.
- Economic Disruptions: Poor management of CAC could result in currency depreciation, affecting trade and capital flows negatively.
Preconditions for Full Convertibility
The Tarapore Committee set preconditions for full CAC, such as maintaining a fiscal deficit below 3.5% of GDP and an inflation rate between 3-5% over three years. These conditions need to be met for the potential benefits of CAC to be realized.
Conclusion
While full capital account convertibility presents significant advantages in terms of financial access and efficiency, it also poses substantial risks that must be managed carefully. India must address the outlined preconditions to harness the benefits of CAC effectively.
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Model Answer What is meant by a flexible exchange rate? A flexible exchange rate is a monetary system where the value of a country’s currency is determined by market forces, i.e., supply and demand in the foreign exchange market. Unlike a fixed exchange rate system, where the government sets the valRead more
Model Answer
What is meant by a flexible exchange rate?
A flexible exchange rate is a monetary system where the value of a country’s currency is determined by market forces, i.e., supply and demand in the foreign exchange market. Unlike a fixed exchange rate system, where the government sets the value of the currency, in a flexible exchange rate regime, the government does not intervene directly to control the rate. In this system, the value of a currency fluctuates based on various factors, including international trade, investment flows, and market speculation.
Factors Influencing the Appreciation and Depreciation of the Indian Rupee
Speculation plays a key role in exchange rate movements. When investors believe the US dollar will increase in value compared to the Indian rupee, they purchase dollars in anticipation of profits. This increased demand for dollars leads to depreciation of the rupee relative to the dollar.
Countries with lower inflation typically have stronger currencies because inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. When India experiences higher inflation compared to other countries, the rupee loses value, leading to depreciation against the dollar.
Higher interest rates in India compared to other countries can lead to an appreciation of the rupee, as foreign investors are attracted by higher returns on investments. However, if interest rates are excessively high for prolonged periods, inflation may rise, leading to depreciation.
If India’s aggregate demand grows faster than other countries, it often leads to an increase in imports, which can cause the rupee to depreciate. Conversely, if India’s exports grow faster than imports, the rupee may appreciate.
High levels of government debt can lead to inflation and economic instability, contributing to a depreciation of the rupee as investors lose confidence in the currency.
Countries with large current account deficits (where imports exceed exports) tend to see their currency depreciate, as more foreign currency is needed to pay for imports.
Strong political stability and robust economic growth attract foreign investment, which can strengthen the domestic currency.
In conclusion, a flexible exchange rate reflects the balance of these factors, and fluctuations in the Indian rupee’s value are influenced by shifts in demand, economic conditions, and market perceptions.
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