Most models of monetary union (MU) are two country, here we develop a simple n-country Factor-OCA approach and consider the costs and benefits of joining an MU, the costs and benefits for third parties (both MU members and non members) and hence we can consider the optimal composition of an MU...

This paper defines current account crises as current account adjustments that occur in the aftermath of a sizable reduction in capital flows. We study the characteristics of such current account adjustments, particularly whether they are executed through export growth or import contraction. We...

In Europe, twelve countries have joined a currency union but four have stayed out. The EU enlargement process implies a large set of potential EMU entrants. In Latin America, two countries have recently dollarized and regional currencies have also been a recurring theme. We develop a theoretical...

The literature has identified at least five approaches to the determinants of the choice of exchange rate regimes: i) optimal currency area theory; ii) exchange rate policy and the absortion of real and nominal shocks; iii) exchange rate rules as a policy crutch in credibility-challenged...

This paper argues that current account statistics may provide a poor indication for the real evolution of a country’s net foreign assets. The differences may arise due to mismeasurement of FDI, as well as from unreported trade of insurance or liquidity services across countries. We suggest...

The literature has identified at least five approaches to the determinants of the choice of exchange rate regimes: i) optimal currency area theory; ii) exchange rate policy and the absortion of real and nominal shocks; iii) exchange rate rules as a policy crutch in credibility-challenged...

In this paper, we introduce the first comprehensive database on sovereign debt systematically compiled to ensure comparability, for all countries in the Americas, and use this new data to highlight the main stylized facts regarding sovereign debt for developing America in the last two decades....

To the extent that they exert a critical influence on the macroeconomic environment, monetary and exchange rate policies (MERP) are relevant for development. However, the analytical economic literature often sees nominal variables as being irrelevant for the real economy, while the multiplicity...

This paper estimates bond-by-bond “haircuts”—realized investor losses—in recent debt restructurings in Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Ecuador, Argentina, and Uruguay. We consider both external and domestic retructurings. Haircuts are computed as the percentage difference between the present...