Citation

Discussion Paper Details

Please find the details for DP1677 in an easy to copy and paste format below:

Full Details   |   Bibliographic Reference

Full Details

Title: The Indeterminacy of the Euro Conversion Rates. Why it Matters and How it can be Solved

Author(s): Paul De Grauwe

Publication Date: July 1997

Keyword(s): Exchange Rate, Maastricht Treaty and Monetary Integration

Programme Area(s): International Macroeconomics

Abstract: The Maastricht Treaty and the Madrid Council decision severely restrict the choice of the euro conversion rates. In practical terms the authorities can only select the Ecu rates prevailing in the market the day before conversion. The market will lack a fixed point, however, so that infinite possible Ecu rates (and thus euro rates) could emerge. This indeterminacy problem is not solved by announcing fixed bilateral conversion rates in advance. The indeterminacy of the euro rates will spill over into an indeterminacy of the exchange rates of outside currencies with the EMU currencies (e.g. the dollar/DM rate). As a result, turbulence in these foreign exchange markets is likely during the approach to EMU. The emergence of speculative bubbles cannot be excluded. We discuss the possible solutions to this problem. They all involve steps towards providing an anchor in the foreign exchange markets.

For full details and related downloads, please visit: https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=1677

Bibliographic Reference

De Grauwe, P. 1997. 'The Indeterminacy of the Euro Conversion Rates. Why it Matters and How it can be Solved'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=1677