The currency exchange rate, along with interest rates and inflation, is one of the most significant predictors of a country’s relative economic health. Exchange rates play a big role in determining a country’s economic health in the global market. As a consequence, exchange rates are the most closely monitored, examined, and manipulated economic indicators. In addition, exchange rates have a significant impact: they affect the cost of foreign money transfers. We’ll look at some of the primary factors affecting exchange rates in this article.
Interest Rates
Any change in the interest rate affects the value of a currency and the exchange rate. Interest rates, forex rates, and inflation rates are all linked. Interest rate increases induce a country’s currency to appreciate because higher interest rates provide better rates to lenders. That alone draws in more foreign currency and increases exchange rates.
Inflation Rate
Market inflation rate changes affect currency exchange rates. The currency value will appreciate with nominal inflation rates. When inflation is low, prices of goods and services rise at a slower pace. A nation with a consistent low inflation rate sees its currency appreciate.
In contrast, a country with more significant inflation experiences severe currency depreciation, often accompanied by higher interest rates.
Economic Health
Another factor that influences exchange rates is the economy’s health or performance. For example, a country with a low unemployment rate implies that its citizens have more money to spend, leading to a stronger economy. A more robust economy draws more foreign investment, reducing inflation and increasing the country’s currency exchange rate. It’s worth noting that economic health is more of an inclusive term consisting of a variety of other factors such as interest rates, inflation, trade balance, etc.
Political Stability
A country with a stable political environment attracts more foreign investment, helping to maintain the currency value constant.
On the other hand, poor political stability devalues a country’s currency. Political stability affects economic drivers and financial policies too. These two factors can have long-term implications for a currency’s exchange rate.
Countries with more stable political systems tend to have more robust currencies.
Trade Terms
The terms of trade are the ratio of export to import prices, linked to current accounts and the balance of payments. Suppose the price of exports rises faster than imports, the country’s terms of trade increase.
As a consequence of the increased revenue, there is a greater demand for the country’s currency, resulting in a rise in the currency’s value. The exchange rate rises as a result of this.
Import & Export Value
The balance of payments (BOP) of a country summarizes all international commerce and financial transactions carried out by individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Imports and exports of products, services, and capital are examples of these transactions.
BOP is included here because it impacts export to import price ratio. The ‘terms of commerce’ improve if the price ratio of exports is higher than imports. Obviously, the opposite is also true and will devalue a currency.
Bottom Line
The variations in foreign currency rates are determined by all of these variables. If you send or receive money regularly, staying up-to-date can help you choose the best time to send or receive funds. A reputable remittance company, like Lycaremit, is an ideal choice for transferring funds. If you’d like further information, please register with us.
