Prolonged Reserves Accumulation, Credit Booms, Asset Prices and Monetary Policy in Asia

39 Pages Posted: 10 Apr 2013

See all articles by Andrew J. Filardo

Andrew J. Filardo

Bank for International Settlements (BIS) - Monetary and Economic Department

Pierre L. Siklos

Wilfrid Laurier University - School of Business & Economics; Balsillie school of international affairs ; Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA)

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Date Written: March 28, 2013

Abstract

This paper examines past evidence of prolonged periods of reserve accumulation in Asian emerging market economies and the direct and indirect implications for monetary stability through the potential impact of such episodes on financial stability. The empirical research focuses on identifying periods of prolonged interventions and correlations with key macro-financial aggregates. Related changes in central bank balance sheets are also examined, especially in periods when the interventions are linked to strong capital inflows. In particular, we consider whether changes in the central bank's balance sheet from prolonged intervention lead to spillovers to the balance sheet of the private sector. We explore the possible forms of the spillovers and the consequences on asset prices (e.g., housing prices, equity prices, the growth in domestic credit). Policy implications are drawn. Finally, we propose a new indicator of reserves adequacy and excessive foreign exchange reserves accumulation based on a factor model. Two broad conclusions emerge from the stylized facts and the econometric evidence. First, the best protection against costly reserves accumulation is a more flexible exchange rate. Second, the necessity to accumulate reserves as a bulwark against goods price inflation is misplaced. Instead, there is a strong link between asset price movements and the likelihood of accumulating foreign exchange reserves that are costly.

Keywords: foreign exchange reserves accumulation, monetary and financial stability

JEL Classification: F41, F32, E44, D52

Suggested Citation

Filardo, Andrew J. and Siklos, Pierre L., Prolonged Reserves Accumulation, Credit Booms, Asset Prices and Monetary Policy in Asia (March 28, 2013). BOFIT Discussion Paper No. 5/2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2247363 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2247363

Andrew J. Filardo (Contact Author)

Bank for International Settlements (BIS) - Monetary and Economic Department ( email )

Centralbahnplatz 2
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland

Pierre L. Siklos

Wilfrid Laurier University - School of Business & Economics ( email )

Department of Economics
75 University Avenue W.
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5
Canada
519-884-0710 Ext.. 3491 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://pierrelsiklos.com

Balsillie school of international affairs ( email )

67 Erb Street West
Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2
Canada

Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA) ( email )

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