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Saturday, November 28, 2009

How Currency Exchange Rates Change And Fluctuate

By Robert Sharp

Most of us have enough of a grasp on economics to realize that currency exchange rates go up and down against other world currencies. Many of us have experienced currency exchange rates in action when we have traveled overseas or bought something online from another country. But what we might not realise are the reasons behind the fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

What currency exchange rates actually are is a comparison of the value of one particular currency with another world currency. They are usually expressed as as ratio and look like - 1 US Dollar = 105 Japanese Yen. These currency exchange rates vary every day and you will often see the financial journalists talking about the dollar rising and falling. Sometimes in the case of recession or economic crisis the exchange rates can decline sharply.

The value of a currency in exchange for another is determined by the supply and demand for that currency. There are various factors that can affect the supply and demand. For example, if the US Reserve Bank raised interest rates substantially, then many traders would want to invest money in US Banks and this would strengthen the value of the US dollar against other currencies. In contrast, if the US Federal Mint decided to print lots of extra money and release it to the marketplace, then this proliferation of money would devalue the US dollar against other currencies.

The inflation levels in a country can also affect currency exchange rates. If an inflation level is high, then the currency will be devalued as foreign investors will be less likely to invest in a currency that has a high level of inflation and will not give them a good return over time. The reserve bank monitors the level of inflation, but there are several external factors that influence the inflation level such as the cost of transporting goods and petrol.

The trade balance in a country is also very important for determining currency exchange rates. When prices paid for exported products are higher than what a country pays for its imports, then the nation is more profitable and the economy is stronger. If there is a good trade balance, then investors will find that economy more attractive to invest in and then exchange rates rise.

People are affected by currency exchange rates regularly, as they determine the price that people pay for imported goods in a country. They also determine how popular your country's exported goods are to other countries.

When the trade balance is out and currency exchange rates are not right. Local businesses and producers may be forced to cut costs to remain internationally competitive. This can mean that people lose their jobs and economic stability is affected.

Currency exchange rates are affected by a number of economic forces that dictate the value of the currency. Reserve banks try to modify inflation and interest rates in order to keep the currency at the ideal balance for a country's trading requirements. - 23212

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