Competitive Devaluation
In this case, the economy is initially experiencing an overall equilibrium: at this specific level of
output and interest rate, the goods market, the money market, and the foreign exchange market
(BP=0) are in equilibrium. At the same time, however, the policymaker is faced with high levels
of unemployment and wishes to stimulate the economy. The country can increase/redefine its peg
from Ef0 to Ef1 (see Figure 18.7), hoping that the devaluation, by stimulating exports and
discouraging imports, will generate a higher level of output and employment.8
8 This scenario is not altogether unrealistic. In the 1930s, countries attempted to escape the
depression with competitive devaluation or so called “beggar thy neighbor” policies. Note that
any gain from a devaluation comes at the expense of the trading partner in a large country setting