Corporate Investment and the Real Exchange Rate

Author/Editor:

Mai Dao ; Camelia Minoiu ; Jonathan David Ostry

Publication Date:

August 4, 2017

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

We examine the relationship between real exchange rate depreciations and indicators of firm performance using data for a sample of more than 30,000 firms from 66 (advanced and emerging market) countries over the 2000-2011 period. We show that depreciations boost profits, investment, and sales of firms that are more financially-constrained and have higher labor shares. These findings are consistent with the view that depreciations boost internal financing opportunities by reducing real wages, thereby spurring investment. We show that these effects on firm performance are enduring, including in the market valuation of firms.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2017/183

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 4, 2017

ISBN/ISSN:

9781484313749/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2017183

Pages:

47

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