Problem 1: Assume countries U and Q are trading partners, and that there are no other countries in the world. The following functions represent the demand and supply functions for the currency of country U.
Supply of country U's currency :E = 1.3 - 0.1Qd
Demand of country U's currency :E = -1.1 + 0.2Qs
Where E = exchange rate = country W's currency/country U's currency
(i) Briefly explain how the demand and supply for the currency of country U arise.
(ii) Determine the exchange rate that would prevail under a clean float. Explain how equilibrium would be restored if the current exchange rate were above, or below the equilibrium rate.
Problem 2: A country has a current account surplus of £ 6 billion, but a capital account deficit of £ 4 billion.
(i) Is the exchange rate system fixed or floating?
(ii) Is its balance of payments in deficit or surplus?
(iii) Are its foreign exchange reserves failing or rising?
(iv) Is the central bank buying or selling the domestic currency?