Currency Unions in Prospect and Retrospect

51 Pages Posted: 19 May 2010

See all articles by J. M.C. Santos Silva

J. M.C. Santos Silva

University of Surrey

Silvana Tenreyro

London School of Economics (LSE)

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 2010

Abstract

We critically review the recent literature on currency unions, and discuss the methodological challenges posed by the empirical assessment of their costs and benefits. In the process, we provide evidence on the economic effects of the euro. In particular, and in contrast with estimates of the trade effect of other currency unions, we find that the impact of the euro on trade has been close to zero. After reviewing the costs and benefits, we conclude with some open questions on normative and positive aspects of the theory of currency unions, emphasizing the need for a unified welfare-based framework to weigh their costs and gains.

Keywords: currency union, euro

JEL Classification: F10

Suggested Citation

Santos Silva, João M.C and Tenreyro, Silvana, Currency Unions in Prospect and Retrospect (May 2010). CEPR Discussion Paper No. DP7824, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1611520

João M.C Santos Silva (Contact Author)

University of Surrey ( email )

Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH
United Kingdom

Silvana Tenreyro

London School of Economics (LSE) ( email )

Houghton Street
London WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom

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