Do Policy-Related Shocks Affect Real Exchange Rates of Asian Developing Countries?

This paper examines real exchange rate responses to shocks in exchange rate determinants and monetary policy for eight Asian developing countries. The analysis is based on a panel pseudo-Bayesian structural vector error correction model, and the shocks are identified using sign and zero restrictions. We find that trade liberalization generates permanent depreciation, and higher government consumption causes persistent appreciation. Traded-sector productivity gains induce appreciation but their effects are short-lived. Real exchange rate responses to unexpected monetary tightening are consistent with the Dornbusch overshooting hypothesis and long-run neutrality of monetary policy. The evidence suggests that trade liberalization provides an effective device for driving exchange rate movements.