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09 March, 2022

Distinguish between Fixed Exchange Rates and Floating Exchange Rates

 A fixed exchange rate is a rate the government sets and maintains as the official exchange rate. A set price will be determined against a major world currency. In order to maintain the local exchange rate, the central bank buys and sells its own currency on the foreign exchange market in return for the currency to which it is pegged.

A floating exchange rate is determined by the private market through supply and demand. It is often termed "self-correcting," as any differences in supply and demand will automatically be corrected in the market. As see, if demand for a currency  is  low,  its  value  will  decrease,  thus  making  imported  goods  more expensive and stimulating demand for local goods and services.

 

 

Sl.

Fixed exchange rate

Floating exchange rate

 

1

A  nominal  exchange  rate  that  is  set firmly by the local monetary authority

Determined by the private market through supply and demand as self- corrected

 

2

Imposed  by  a  local  official  exchange rate system

Imposed  by  rate  of  foreign  exchange markets

3

Rate is stable in general

Rate fluctuates constantly

 

4

The main economic advantage is that they  promote  international  trade  and

investment

The  economic main advantage  is  that they  leave  the  monetary  and  fiscal

authorities free to pursue internal goals

 

 

5

The main disadvantage is that it discourage to international trade and investment  due  to  nominal  exchange rate system

The main disadvantage is encourage more to international trade and investment  due  to  autonomous monetary system