In: Economics
What impact might a decrease in the U.S. federal budget deficit have on interest rates and exchange rates in the market for the U.S. dollar? (Assume the exchange rate is stated in terms of foreign currency per U.S. dollar.)
A.
Interest rates decrease and exchange rates increase.
B.
Interest rates increase and exchange rates decrease.
C.
Interest rates and exchange rates decrease.
D.
Interest rates and exchange rates increase.
The answer is: C). Interest rates and exchange rates decrease.
Higher interest rates offer lenders in an economy a higher
return relative to other countries. Therefore, higher interest
rates attract foreign capital and cause the exchange rate to rise.
The opposite relationship exists for decreasing interest rates that
is, lower interest rates tend to decrease exchange rates.