Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
INTRODUCTION
This chapter raises an important and relevant topic in the context of the global
economy, namely foreign currency transactions and their impact on changes in exchange
rates and inflation. Seeing the continuously developing economic dynamics, an in-depth
understanding of foreign currency transactions is becoming increasingly crucial.
Along with economic globalization, foreign currency transactions have become an
integral part of business and investment activities. Changes in exchange rates and inflation
fluctuations have a significant impact on economic decisions, both for individuals and
companies. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these aspects is key in
managing risks and optimizing opportunities.
This book aims to provide in-depth insight into foreign currency transactions,
discuss the factors that influence exchange rates, and explain their relationship with
inflation. In addition, the aim of this book is to provide practical guidance for readers in
facing challenges and making smart decisions in the context of foreign currency
transactions.
This chapter is intended for a wide range of readers who have an interest in
understanding and managing foreign currency transactions. Professionals in the fields of
finance and investment, students studying economics or international business, as well as
business practitioners involved in global markets, can gain significant benefit from this
book. The explanations are presented in detail but remain easy to understand, so that this
book can be a valuable source of knowledge for various levels of readers with various
backgrounds and expertise.
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The basic concept in foreign currency transactions involves two currencies being
traded, which are generally referred to as a “currency pair.” Each currency pair has an
exchange rate that indicates how much of the base currency is required to purchase one
unit of the quoted currency. This exchange rate is volatile and influenced by various
factors, including economic conditions, monetary policy and geopolitical factors.
Apart from that, foreign currency transactions also include various types of
activities, such as spot, forward and futures transactions. Spot transactions involve the
direct exchange of currencies at current market prices. Meanwhile, forward and futures
transactions involve an agreement to exchange in the future at a price set currently.
The importance of understanding the basic definitions and concepts of foreign
currency transactions lies not only in the ability to participate in global markets, but also
in efforts to manage risks and optimize profits in a dynamic economic context. This in-
depth understanding of the basics is the basis for readers to explore further aspects in this
book.
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Understanding the differences between these types of transactions provides a
basis for market participants to choose strategies that suit their goals. In addition, the
ability to combine different types of transactions is also key to effective portfolio
management in the context of dynamic foreign exchange markets.
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With its prominent role in global economic activity, a deep understanding of the
role of foreign currencies is key for all economic stakeholders, including companies,
governments and global investors.
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4. Market Sentiment and Speculation
▪ Global News and Events
Global events and economic news can trigger changes in market sentiment,
which in turn affects currency exchange rates.
▪ Trader Speculation
The decisions of foreign exchange traders can also affect exchange rates.
Speculation on the direction of currency movements can create significant
fluctuations.
Macro and micro economics are interrelated and create a dynamic environment in
the foreign exchange market. Market players need to monitor these developments closely
to make informed and intelligent decisions.
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Currency Purchase and Sale, Governments and central banks can intervene directly
in foreign exchange markets to influence exchange rates. They can buy or sell currency to
maintain exchange rate stability or achieve certain economic goals.
4. Policy Uncertainty
Political and Economic Uncertainty, Inconsistent monetary and fiscal policies or
political uncertainty can create volatility in exchange rates. Investors tend to look for
stability and consistency in policy.
Monetary and fiscal policies work together to form a country's economic policy
framework. The right decisions in these two aspects can create an economic environment
that is conducive to growth and exchange rate stability. Conversely, inappropriate policies
can create uncertainty and volatility that is detrimental to currency exchange rates.
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6. Capital Movement
Capital Flows, International capital movements can affect exchange rates. Large
investments or withdrawals of capital from a country can create significant pressure on its
currency.
7. Derivatives Market
Futures and Options, Trading derivatives, such as futures and foreign exchange
options, can create volatility and affect exchange rates in the spot market.
8. Trading Technology and Algorithms
Automatic Trading, The use of technology and trading algorithms can create fast
and large movements in the foreign exchange market. Transaction speed can increase
volatility.
The foreign exchange market is a dynamic arena, where these various factors
interact with each other. A deep understanding of the role of the foreign exchange market
is important for market players to make informed decisions and forecast changes in
exchange rates.
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3. Structural Inflation
Occurs due to changes in fundamental economic structure, such as deregulation
or changes in the tax system. Structural inflation is not directly related to demand
pressures or production costs.
4. Expected and Unexpected Inflation
Expected inflation can occur when economic actors anticipate price increases and
adjust their economic behavior along those lines. Meanwhile, unexpected inflation is a
situation where price increases are not predicted by economic actors.
Inflation has a significant impact on various aspects of the economy, including
consumer purchasing power, monetary policy, and, relevant to this topic, currency
exchange rates. The relationship between inflation and exchange rates can be complex, as
high inflation does not always lead to currency depreciation. This understanding is
important for developing a balanced and sustainable economic policy strategy.
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6. Government Policy Changes
High inflation can encourage governments to adopt stricter economic policies,
such as fiscal restraint or structural reforms. These steps can influence investor
perceptions and exchange rates.
In this context, it is important to remember that the impact of inflation on the
exchange rate can vary and depends on a number of external and internal factors. Factors
such as monetary policy, the global trade situation, and investor responses can shape the
dynamics of the relationship between inflation and a country's exchange rate.
C. Strategy for Dealing with the Linkage of Inflation and Exchange Rates
In dealing with the link between inflation and exchange rates, the government and
central bank of a country can implement a number of strategies to maintain economic
stability and currency value. Here are some strategies that are commonly used:
1. Strict Monetary Policy
▪ Objective
Controlling the rate of inflation.
▪ How It Works
Increase interest rates to reduce borrowing and consumption, thereby easing
inflationary pressures.
▪ Impact on Exchange Rates
An increase in interest rates can increase the attractiveness of the country's
currency, supporting the exchange rate.
2. Balanced Fiscal Policy
▪ Objective
Control inflation through budget management.
▪ How it Works
The government can reduce spending or increase revenue to control inflationary
pressures.
▪ Impact on the Exchange Rate
A balanced fiscal policy can provide a positive signal to investors, supporting the
exchange rate.
3. Direct Intervention in the Foreign Exchange Market
▪ Objective
Stabilize currency exchange rates.
▪ How It Works
Central banks can buy or sell currencies in the foreign exchange market to offset
extreme movements.
▪ Impact on Exchange Rates
Intervention can arrest currency depreciation or prevent too rapid appreciation.
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4. Use of Derivative Financial Tools
▪ Objective
Protect against exchange rate risk.
▪ How it Works
Use of derivative financial instruments, such as futures contracts or foreign
exchange options, to protect companies from exchange rate fluctuations.
▪ Impact on the Exchange Rate
The use of derivatives can help reduce risk and maintain exchange rate stability.
5. Economic Structural Reform
▪ Objective
Addressing the root causes of inflation.
▪ How it Works
Carry out economic reforms to increase efficiency and transparency, reduce
bureaucracy, and overcome structural problems that can cause inflation.
▪ Impact on the Exchange Rate
Structural reforms can increase investor confidence and support the exchange
rate.
Dealing with the link between inflation and the exchange rate requires a holistic
approach and coordination between various policy instruments. These steps can help
achieve a balance between maintaining exchange rate stability and controlling inflationary
pressures in an effort to maintain a country's economic health.
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2. Currency Options
Currency options provide the right (not the obligation) to buy or sell currency at a
certain level, but without the obligation to do so.
Example, A European exporter who earns income in US dollars but wants to
protect himself against euro depreciation could purchase a put option on the euro. If the
value of the euro falls, exporters can exercise the option to sell euros at a more favorable
rate.
3. Money Market Hedging
Money market hedging involves borrowing or investing in a currency that has a
higher interest rate to offset potential losses due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Example, An investor who earns income in a currency with low interest rates may
decide to invest his funds in financial instruments that provide higher interest rates in
other currencies.
4. Natural Hedging
Natural hedging involves matching currency exposure with similar income or
expenses in the opposite currency.
Example, A company that has revenues in a foreign currency and costs in the
same currency can use natural hedging to reduce its exposure to exchange rate
fluctuations.
5. Operational Hedging
Operational hedging involves operational adjustments to reduce exposure to
foreign exchange risk.
Example, A company that has production facilities in a foreign country may
consider using a portion of its local revenues to finance operating costs there, reducing
the need for currency conversion.
These strategies can be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each
company or investor. Engaging experienced financial experts and a deep understanding of
the foreign exchange market is key to designing and implementing an effective foreign
exchange risk management strategy.
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1. Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves assessing a country's economic, financial, and
political factors to predict currency exchange rate movements.
Important Factors, Macroeconomic conditions, such as economic growth, inflation
rates and interest rates.
o Its fiscal and monetary health.
o Trade data, including trade balance and capital flows.
o Political conditions and government stability.
Example, If a country is experiencing strong economic growth and has high
interest rates, fundamental analysis might conclude that the country's currency is likely to
strengthen.
2. Technical Analysis
Technical analysis involves using historical data on price movements and trading
volumes to try to predict the future direction of exchange rate movements.
Important Factors:
o Chart patterns and historical trends.
o Technical indicators such as moving averages and relative strength index
(RSI).
o Trading volume and market interest.
Example, If technical analysis shows an upward trend pattern in currency price
movements over the past few months, traders may tend to predict that the trend will
continue.
3. Combined Analysis
An effective approach often involves combining fundamental and technical
analysis to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence
exchange rates.
Example, An investor might use fundamental analysis to understand the
macroeconomic conditions of a country and technical analysis to identify current trends
and momentum in currency price movements.
Exchange rate prediction analysis helps companies and investors to make better
decisions regarding foreign currency transactions. However, keep in mind that predictions
always involve a degree of uncertainty, and foreign exchange markets can be influenced
by a variety of factors that are difficult to fully predict.
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C. Protection Policy against Exchange Rate Changes
Protection policies against exchange rate changes are steps taken by companies
or investors to protect themselves from the risk of currency exchange rate fluctuations
that could affect their finances. These measures aim to reduce exposure to exchange
rate changes and provide stability in financial planning. Some effective exchange rate
protection strategies involve the use of financial instruments and operational policies.
The following are explanations and examples of several exchange rate protection
policies:
1. Use of Forward Contracts
Companies or investors can use forward contracts to lock in future exchange
rates. This helps protect them from adverse exchange rate fluctuations.
Example, An American company that plans to pay its European suppliers in the
next six months can use a forward contract to lock in the exchange rate and avoid the
risk of the Euro depreciating against the US Dollar.
2. Currency Options
Currency options provide the right, not the obligation, to buy or sell a currency at
a specified rate within a specified time period. This provides flexibility to option holders
to take decisions based on changing market conditions.
Example, A company that earns revenue in a foreign currency may purchase a call
option to hedge the exchange rate of that currency. If the exchange rate falls, they can
use the option to purchase currency at a more favorable rate.
3. Netting and Matching Policy
Companies can adopt a netting policy, i.e. balancing receipts and payments in
foreign currency to reduce their net exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
Example, A company that has receipts and payments in the same currency may
try to balance those amounts to reduce the risk of net exposure to exchange rate
changes.
4. Currency Diversification
Diversification involves spreading risk by holding a number of different
currencies. This can help mitigate the impact of exchange rate changes on financial
portfolios.
Example, An investor may decide to have an investment portfolio that includes
currencies from different countries to reduce the risks associated with changes in
exchange rates.
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5. Currency Exposure Limitations
Companies can set internal limits or rules that limit their exposure to foreign
currency, whether in terms of buying or selling.
Example, A company may establish an internal policy that limits its currency
exposure to a certain percentage of the total value of contracts or receipts.
Through smart and appropriate exchange rate protection policies, companies and
investors can manage the risk of exchange rate changes more effectively, maintain
financial stability, and increase predictability in their business planning.
CASE STUDY
A. Foreign Currency Transaction Experience
Transaction Experience
Company XYZ, based in the United States, decides to expand its international
market by opening a branch in the European Union. In this expansion process, the
company engaged in a number of foreign currency transactions to pay suppliers, employee
salaries and other operational costs in Euros.
During the first few months of expansion, the company was aware of the impact
that exchange rate fluctuations between the US Dollar and Euro were having on their
finances. The Euro exchange rate against the US Dollar fluctuates significantly, creating
uncertainty regarding operational costs and other expenses.
B. Analysis of the Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates and Inflation in Specific Cases
Analysis
1. Impact of Exchange Rate Changes
▪ When the Euro exchange rate strengthens against the US Dollar, XYZ company's
operational costs in local currency (Euro) become more expensive when calculated
in US Dollars. This can reduce a company's profits and increase their operational
costs.
▪ Conversely, if the Euro weakens against the US Dollar, operating costs in local
currency become more affordable when calculated in US Dollars. However, this
may also create risks to earnings converted into US Dollars.
▪ Example: If a company pays employee salaries in Euros and the Euro exchange rate
against the US Dollar strengthens, salary costs in US Dollars become higher.
2. Impact of Inflation
▪ If inflation occurs in the European Union, operating costs in Euros may increase,
regardless of exchange rate changes. Inflation can create additional pressure on
the cost of living and business costs in the country.
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▪ Higher than expected inflation could also affect company pricing policies and
consumer purchasing power in local markets.
▪ Example: If there is significant inflation in the European Union, the cost of office
rental, raw materials and other services required by the company's branches in the
European Union may increase.
Management Effort
To address this risk, company XYZ can adopt foreign exchange risk management
strategies, such as the use of forward contracts or currency options. In addition, they need
to monitor economic conditions in the European Union, anticipate potential changes in
exchange rates and inflation, and carry out exchange rate prediction analysis and effective
risk management strategies.
In all, XYZ Company's foreign currency transaction experience highlights the
importance of foreign exchange risk management and a deep understanding of economic
factors, such as exchange rates and inflation, that can affect international operations.
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Market participants must be alert to global economic conditions that can create a
domino impact on currencies and investment portfolios.
4. Government and Central Bank Intervention
Government and central bank intervention in the foreign exchange market can
create uncertainty and affect currency exchange rates.
Government and central bank decisions or actions can create sudden changes in
the direction of exchange rates, affecting transaction outcomes.
5. Interest Rate Changes
Changes in interest rates by the central bank can affect the direction and level of
currency exchange rates. Higher interest rates can increase the attractiveness of a
country's currency.
Interest rate fluctuations can create rapid changes in market conditions and
affect risk management strategies.
6. Trading Uncertainty
Uncertainty related to international trade policies, such as tariff wars or
uncertain trade agreements, can create uncertainty in currency exchange rates.
Changes in international trade conditions can affect exchange rates and the
results of international business transactions.
Global challenges in foreign currency transactions emphasize the importance of a
deep understanding of the global factors that can influence the market. Meanwhile, these
challenges also create opportunities for market players who can identify trends, design
effective risk management strategies, and exploit changing market conditions to their
advantage.
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REFERENCES
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