COULD THE EXCHANGE RATE REGIME REDUCE MACROECONOMIC VOLATILITY?

Abstract

This study intends to determine the kind of relationship existing between the exchange rate regime and real volatility. After carefully revising theoretical and empirical results of previous research, a new methodology is proposed that corrects deficiencies found in previous empirical papers. The results show non-neutrality of the exchange rate regime. Particularly, it is found that the more rigid the regime, the greater the real volatility. Even when a classification of the exchange rate regime is performed allowing a comparison between consistent pegging and consistent floating, the former has a higher volatility. Countries with "fear of floating" or "inability of pegging" behavior exhibit lower volatility than consistent pegs.