Summary of WP/95/34: “Measurement of Co-Circulation of Currencies”
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International Monetary Fund
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This compilation of summaries of Working Papers released during January-June 1995 is being issued as a part of the Working Paper series. It is designed to provide the reader with an overview of the research work performed by the staff during the period. Authors of Working Papers are normally staff members of the Fund or consultants, although on occasion outside authors may collaborate with a staff member in writing a paper. The views expressed in the Working Papers or their summaries are, however, those of the authors and should not necessarily be interpreted as representing the views of the Fund. Copies of individual Working Papers and information on subscriptions to the annual series of Working Papers may be obtained from IMF Publication Services, International Monetary Fund, 700 19th Street, Washington, D.C. 20431. Telephone: (202) 623-7430 Telefax: (202) 623-7201.

Abstract

This compilation of summaries of Working Papers released during January-June 1995 is being issued as a part of the Working Paper series. It is designed to provide the reader with an overview of the research work performed by the staff during the period. Authors of Working Papers are normally staff members of the Fund or consultants, although on occasion outside authors may collaborate with a staff member in writing a paper. The views expressed in the Working Papers or their summaries are, however, those of the authors and should not necessarily be interpreted as representing the views of the Fund. Copies of individual Working Papers and information on subscriptions to the annual series of Working Papers may be obtained from IMF Publication Services, International Monetary Fund, 700 19th Street, Washington, D.C. 20431. Telephone: (202) 623-7430 Telefax: (202) 623-7201.

“Co-circulation” Involves the regular use of two or more currencies within a country. This paper covers measurement and policy issues associated with the physical movement of currencies between countries and use of multiple currencies within a single economy. Co-circulation is common in Latin America and Eastern and Central Europe, and it also occurs in several Middle Eastern, East Asian, and African countries. Co-circulation causes statistical measurement problems in the balance of payments and money stock estimates.

The paper reviews a number of methods used to measure co-circulation, Some current research indicates that US$200 billion or more may be in use outside the United States, and large amounts of other currencies may also be involved. In general, better techniques are available to measure currencies that leave their country of issue than to estimate the amount of foreign currencies circulating within an economy.

The penultimate section of the paper reviews some implications of co-circulation for statistical measurement and economic policy. Co-circulation is found to result in a loss of seigniorage to the host country, affect monetary policy control, and create foreign currency exposures within a country. Moreover, statistical errors may be created that could affect policy decisions.

An appendix discusses changes in demand for foreign currency that may occur when a country permits free circulation of foreign currency. A second appendix, contributed by Roman Zytek, discusses how market segmentation might affect statistical estimates of co-circulation.

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Working Paper Summaries (WP/95/1 - WP/95/61)
Author:
International Monetary Fund