Volume 3, Issue 1 March 2007

Imperfect Common Knowledge in First-Generation Models of Currency Crises

Abstract

First-generation models assume that the level of reserves of a central bank is common knowledge among arbitrageurs, and therefore the timing of the attack on the currency can be correctly anticipated. The collapse of the peg thus leads to no discrete change in the exchange rate. We relax the assumption of perfect information and introduce uncertainty about the willingness of a central bank to defend the peg. In this new setting, there is a unique equilibrium at which the fixed exchange rate is abandoned. The lack of common knowledge will lead to a discrete devaluation once the peg finally collapses. 

Authors

  • Gara Mínguez-Afonso

JEL codes

  • D82
  • E58
  • F31

Other papers in this issue

Christian Ewerhart and Nuno Cassola and Steen Ejerskov and Natacha Valla

Michael Ehrmann and Marcel Fratzscher

John Taylor and Hyun Shin and Frank Smets and Kazuo Ueda and Michael Woodford