International markets are an important contributor to U.S. economic activity. U.S. regions have varying exposure to the influences of international markets--foreign demand or exchange rate movements. Still, the overriding determinants of regional economic growth is the state of the domestic economy.

A major concern surrounding European Monetary Union is that output fluctuations of member countries may become more volatile under a common currency because they will have increased sensitivity to foreign business cycles. This article analyzes the link between exchange rate regimes and the...