Contrary to the expectations of those who advocated flexible exchange rates prior to 1973, Williamson, in his study on exchange rate flexibility and reserve use, presented data which suggested “the paradoxical conclusion that reserve use actually increased following the adoption of...

The switch to floating exchange rates during the 1970s has given economists the first comprehensive opportunity to assess the arguments for and against floating. Much new work has been done on various aspects of floating exchange rate behaviour. This article attempts a limited survey of the...

Since the introduction of the system of floating exchange rates policy-makers have been troubled by uncertainties regarding the effects of this system on international trade. Do exchange rate changes affect trade flows? Can governments manipulate exchange rates? Have countries been “injured”...

The attitude of German exporters and importers to currency risks under a system of floating exchange rates has, for the first time, been the subject of an empirical study by the HWWA Institute. The investigation was, in the main, based on a questionnaire sent to 719 enterprises of all sizes...

The test case of "flexible versus fixed rates of exchange" has now been running for four months. Experience in this transitional and incipient phase has shown up a number of faults and impediments which are typical not only of the problems created by contemporary multicentric international...

In recent years spectacular attempts by various major industrialized countries to reduce government expenditure have met with limited success and given rise to heavy controversies. What are the lessons to be learnt? What are the principles to be followed in cutting government expenditure?