Real Exchange Rate Targeting under Imperfect Asset Substitutability

Abstract

This paper presents a model of an economy that uses nominal exchange rate policy to keep the real exchange rate constant at a certain target level, under an assumption of imperfect asset substitutability. The paper discusses the determinants of inflation under such a policy and examines the effects of exogenous and policy-induced shocks on inflation, the external accounts, and the fiscal accounts. The shocks considered include changes in the real exchange rate target, changes in fiscal policy, changes in foreign interest rates, and open market sales of public sector domestic bonds.