Economy : External Sector & Foreign Trade

Q 16 / 31

UPSC CSE Prelims 2012

Consider the following statements:
  1. The price of any currency in international market is decided by the
  2. World Bank
  3. demand for goods/services provided by the country concerned
  4. stability of the government of the concerned country
  5. economic potential of the country in question
Which of the statements given above are correct?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The exchange rate or price of a currency in the international market is primarily determined by demand and supply conditions influenced by various economic and political factors.

  • Statement 1: Incorrect.
    The World Bank does not determine the price of a currency in the international market. Exchange rates are generally determined by market forces such as demand and supply in foreign exchange markets.
  • Statement 2: Correct.
    Demand for goods and services produced by a country affects the demand for its currency. When foreign buyers purchase these goods or services, they must acquire the country’s currency, increasing its demand and influencing its value.
  • Statement 3: Correct.
    Political stability and the stability of the government influence investor confidence. Stable governance attracts foreign investment, increasing demand for the country’s currency.
  • Statement 4: Incorrect.
    While the economic potential of a country can indirectly influence long-term investment decisions, it is not a direct determinant of currency price in the foreign exchange market in the way demand for goods or political stability affects it.

Key Takeaway: Currency prices in international markets are mainly determined by demand and supply factors such as trade demand and political stability rather than decisions by institutions like the World Bank.

SOURCENCERT Class 12 Macroeconomics Chapter 6: Open Economy Macroeconomics, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Chapter 17: External Sector