The Determinants of Long-run Real Exchange Rate in South Africa: A Fundamental Equilibrium Approach

Njindan Iyke Bernard () and Nicholas Odhiambo
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Njindan Iyke Bernard: Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Pretoria, South Africa

Global Economy Journal, 2015, vol. 15, issue 3, 319-336

Abstract: In this paper, we identify the fundamental determinants of the long-run exchange rate in South Africa. We then estimate the equilibrium real exchange rate for this country using a dataset covering the period 1975–2012. In order to account for possible short-run fluctuations in the real exchange rate, we conducted a cointegration test using the ARDL bounds testing procedure. First, we found terms of trade, trade openness, government consumption, net foreign assets and real commodity prices to be the long-run determinants of the real exchange rate in South Africa. Second, we found that nearly 68.06% of the real exchange-rate disequilibrium is corrected annually. Overall, the estimated equilibrium rate indicates that the Rand has been depreciating in real terms over the years. Tightening trade openness is not an option, given international agreements; on the other hand, terms of trade and real commodity prices are determined by the world market. The obvious policy alternative is for South Africa to increase government spending and moderately decrease her net foreign asset position.

Keywords: fundamental determinants; real exchange rate; equilibrium exchange rate; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C53 F31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Journal Article: The Determinants of Long-run Real Exchange Rate in South Africa: A Fundamental Equilibrium Approach (2015)
Working Paper: The determinants of long-run real exchange rates in South Africa: a fundamental equilibrium approach (2015)
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DOI: 10.1515/gej-2015-0015

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