As far as FDI is concerned, it has been very much neglected by the previous empirical
analysis, even though it shares many characteristics with trade and therefore one would
expect economists to investigate its relationship with exchange rate variability as well. The
first step of the reasoning is that if exchange rate variability is really bad for trade, we may
expect that it will induce FDI, because then by directly localising the production abroad
firms would eliminate part of the exchange rate risk. Secondly, if a RIA does reduce
exchange rate variability among its members, then there is a strong case to observe a
reduction in FDI from non-members, ceteris paribus, and hence an increase in exports as the
preferred channel of integration, given the reduced exchange rate risk. But contrary
arguments could also apply, if exchange rate variability is intrinsically bad for FDI too. For
example repatriated profits are worth less in case of a revaluation of the domestic currency,
exported inputs may be worth less in case of a devaluation or imported final goods may be
more expensive in case of a devaluation. Again, even a priori the net effect on FDI is not
clear from a theoretical point of view and needs to be evaluated empirically. In my analysis
I will consider two medium-term measures of exchange rate variability, following De
Grauwe and Perée and Steinherr. This is especially appropriate for FDI, whereby foreign
investors look at the long-term stability of a currency when deciding where to invest, rather
than the short one, given the greater sunk costs that they incur.
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