Before the global financial crisis of 2007–2009, the United States and several other countries posted large current account deficits. Many of these countries also experienced asset price booms. Evidence suggests the two developments were linked. Rising asset values in the United States...

The countries of the European periphery are experiencing a balance of payments crisis stemming from persistent current account deficits and sharply lower private capital inflows, a condition known as a sudden stop. In countries with fixed exchange rates, sudden stops typically drain foreign...

This Economic Letter first reviews some predictions about the exchange rate implications of a return of the U.S. current account into balance. It then presents a recent study that considers the role of greater financial integration and the resulting importance of valuation effects. Finally, it...