Testing Portfolio Balance Approach to Exchange Rate during Managed Float: An Empirical Evidence from India

Abstract

Any global economic and financial disturbance affects trade and capital flows of our economy through exchange rate movements. The portfolio balance (PB) approach considers the capital flows as an additional variable explaining the exchange rate movements. This approach assumes domestic and foreign bonds to be imperfect substitutes. The bonds bearing high risk carry comparatively higher return in the form of risk premium. This study attempts to re-examine the empirical soundness of the PB model in respect of Indian rupee/ US dollar (INR/US $) exchange rate. It covers the period from 2000: 1 to 2023:1. Augmented Dickey Fuller test and Phillip Perron tests are used to test stationarity property of the variables. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) methodology of regression is used for the purpose of estimation. Autocorrelation problem is dealt with by using the Cochrane Orcutt procedure. The PB model is estimated in naïve form as well as in partial adjustment form. The empirical finding shows that the PB model works well in partial adjustment framework rather than in its naïve form with speed of adjustment being three to four quarters. The money supply differential and relative real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are identified as significant variables whereas the bond holding variable remained insignificant. However, in the long run, the model did not work. It is suggested that the fiscal and monetary policies that enhance capital spending in productive sectors should be implemented to achieve a gradually appreciating exchange rate.

Keywords: Exchange Rate, Capital Flows, Unit Root Test, Portfolio Balance Model, Autocorrelation

View PDF