How Foreign Exchange Affects the Economy
By Space Coast Daily // December 10, 2018
International trade is fueled by foreign exchange. Exchanging currencies at a currency market is a form of trade that has been ongoing for many centuries. The exchange of currencies not only facilitates business, but it also has many other effects on economies.
As a form of trade, currency exchange is an important part of politics, capital flow, and the general global trade. The various entities involved in the foreign exchange market need to be aware of the different effects that the market has before making any big decisions. Let us look at how foreign exchange affects the economy.
Value of goods
The first and most important factor to consider is the value of goods. The rates that come as a result of the foreign exchange have consequences on the value of local goods. The valuation of the currency is thus not the only thing that is affected by the rate of the currency in the exchange market. In general, the health of an economy can be signaled by the exchange rates that a particular currency attracts.
When there are political turmoils or economic recessions, the currency loses value. The opposite of this, in turn, results in a strong currency. In areas where the exchange rate is favorable though, domestic tourism and the export industries grow. A strong local production that is supported by a good exchange rate discourages imports and this leads to a higher purchasing power for a local currency.
Capital flow
All economies around the world depend on positive capital flows. When the exchange rate is good, investors are more likely to invest locally. Foreign investors who venture into the local market thus contribute to more capital inflows and this contributes to a healthier economy. If the value of a currency drops, however, investors could liquidate their stocks or simply leave the country.
Doing so would result in a loss of sufficient foreign capital at the exchange market. The result of this, in turn, will be the loss of purchasing power. The value of a currency is therefore important when it comes to attracting overseas investors. All kinds of investors look for investment destinations where their capital will yield returns. In the absence of foreign capital inflows, the economy becomes stagnant.
Political Decisions
Exchange rates are also instrumental when it comes to politics. When economies start performing poorly, the perception of the public towards leaders would become negative. This would result in political pressure on local leaders who would then advocate for tax reforms.
A change in financial policies would have an effect on the performance of the economy. In general, politicians often implement tax cuts whenever there is political pressure from the public. In extreme cases, politicians are also forced out of office as a result of poor financial performance. Exchange rates thus have a huge influence on the political landscape of nations.
International trade
As mentioned earlier, international trade heavily depends on the forex market. The forex market itself is a source of employment for traders who eke a living out of trading currency. Many individuals take up courses on forex trading for beginners after which they venture into the trade. Apart from this though, exchange rates also have an effect on international trade.
Global trade, globalization, and access to foreign goods are all facilitated by the exchange rates. Globalization is specifically a big aspect of the foreign exchange market since it has huge impacts on labor, production and technological advancement. The modern markets are defined by an access to global labor and capital. This has brought competition in all sectors of the market. The result has therefore been increased production at more affordable rates.
Financial issues
Not all aspects of foreign exchange are good. Globalization is specifically a major cause for financial problems in many places around the world. Unfortunately, not every nation is capable of competing fairly in a globalized market. some nations are hindered by natural or structural barriers.
In addition to this, the collapse of the main currency might lead to great ramifications around the globe. Financial institutions are now linked more than ever and a financial crisis in any member of the international community would result in a huge crisis. The exchange market is thus risky in as much as it is beneficial for global economies.
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