6.4

Foreign exchange rates

9 flashcards to master Foreign exchange rates

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Definition Flip

Define the term 'exchange rate'.

Answer Flip

The exchange rate is the price of one currency expressed in terms of another currency.

Example: 1 GBP = 1.25 USD means that one British pound can be exchanged for 1.25 US dollars.
Definition Flip

Explain what is meant by a 'floating exchange rate'.

Answer Flip

A floating exchange rate is a system where the value of a currency is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange market, with no government intervention. Fluctuations occur freely based on market dynamics, such as changes in interest rates or investor confidence.

Definition Flip

What is a 'fixed exchange rate' system?

Answer Flip

A fixed exchange rate is a system where a country's currency value is pegged to another currency or a basket of currencies at a specific rate. The government or central bank actively intervenes in the foreign exchange market to maintain this fixed rate.

Definition Flip

Define 'appreciation' in the context of foreign exchange rates.

Answer Flip

Appreciation occurs when the value of a currency increases relative to another currency in a floating exchange rate system. This means it takes less of that currency to buy the same amount of the other currency, making exports more expensive and imports cheaper.

Definition Flip

Explain what is meant by 'depreciation' of a currency.

Answer Flip

Depreciation is a decrease in the value of a currency relative to another currency in a floating exchange rate system. This means it takes more of that currency to buy the same amount of the other currency, making exports cheaper and imports more expensive.

Definition Flip

What is 'devaluation' in the context of exchange rates?

Answer Flip

Devaluation is a deliberate downward adjustment of a currency's value by a government in a fixed exchange rate system. A government might devalue its currency to improve its trade balance or boost economic growth.

Definition Flip

Define the term 'revaluation' in the context of foreign exchange rates.

Answer Flip

Revaluation is a deliberate increase in the value of a currency by a government in a fixed exchange rate system. It makes exports more expensive and imports cheaper and is usually undertaken to combat inflation.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the function of the 'foreign exchange market'.

Answer Flip

The foreign exchange market (forex) is a global decentralized marketplace where currencies are traded. Its primary function is to facilitate the exchange of currencies for international trade, investment, and speculation.

Key Concept Flip

A country's currency depreciates. Analyze two likely impacts on its balance of trade.

Answer Flip

A currency depreciation will likely lead to an increase in exports as they become cheaper for foreign buyers. Simultaneously, imports become more expensive, which should lead to a decrease in import volume, improving the balance of trade, all else being equal.

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6.3 Free trade and protection 6.5 Balance of payments

Key Questions: Foreign exchange rates

Define the term 'exchange rate'.

The exchange rate is the price of one currency expressed in terms of another currency.

Example: 1 GBP = 1.25 USD means that one British pound can be exchanged for 1.25 US dollars.
Explain what is meant by a 'floating exchange rate'.

A floating exchange rate is a system where the value of a currency is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange market, with no government intervention. Fluctuations occur freely based on market dynamics, such as changes in interest rates or investor confidence.

What is a 'fixed exchange rate' system?

A fixed exchange rate is a system where a country's currency value is pegged to another currency or a basket of currencies at a specific rate. The government or central bank actively intervenes in the foreign exchange market to maintain this fixed rate.

Define 'appreciation' in the context of foreign exchange rates.

Appreciation occurs when the value of a currency increases relative to another currency in a floating exchange rate system. This means it takes less of that currency to buy the same amount of the other currency, making exports more expensive and imports cheaper.

Explain what is meant by 'depreciation' of a currency.

Depreciation is a decrease in the value of a currency relative to another currency in a floating exchange rate system. This means it takes more of that currency to buy the same amount of the other currency, making exports cheaper and imports more expensive.

About Foreign exchange rates (6.4)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Foreign exchange rates for your Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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