Neglected Common Factors in Exchange Rate Volatility

The paper proposes a new multivariate model for exchange rate volatility in a system of bilateral exchange rates, using a factor structure of exchange rates one of the common factors is always related to the numeraire currency. Time variation in the volatility is modelled using a stochastic variance approach. The interpretation of the factors provides a new way of estimating risk premia in the foreign exchange market. Empirical results show considerable volatility spillovers among the four major currencies. Risk premia show a major sign reversal for the dollar risk premium around 1978.