In: Finance
Uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) model is not useful in making exchange rate predictions because of its theoretical limitations. While the theoretical and conceptual framework of UIP represents rational expectation models the model itself is based on the assumption that capital markets are efficient. In reality this is not the case and so UIP model is not useful in making exchange rate predictions.
It should also be noted that in the short-term as well as the medium-term the quantum of depreciation of the higher yielding currency is less than the implications of uncovered interest rate parity. In reality what might happen is that the higher-yielding currency has gained in strength instead of weakening.
Moreover UIP model does not cover exposure to foreign exchange risk. In case of UIP model there is no forward rate contracts, and hence only expected spot rate is used. UIP model also assumes foreign exchange equilibrium and this leads to an unrealistic implication that expected return of a domestic asset will equal the expected return of a foreign asset after adjusting for the change in foreign currency exchange spot rates. Higher interest rates leads to future depreciation and this is not sufficient for UIP to hold.
(200 words)