Chapter 16: Problem 14

What does it mean to say that a currency appreciates? Depreciates? Becomes stronger? Becomes weaker?

Short Answer

Expert verified

A currency appreciates when its value increases relative to other currencies, often due to a stronger economy, higher interest rates, or increased demand. In contrast, a currency depreciates when its value decreases relative to other currencies, often caused by a weaker economy, lower interest rates, or decreased demand. When a currency becomes stronger, its value has increased compared to other currencies (similar to appreciation). Conversely, when a currency becomes weaker, its value has decreased compared to other currencies (similar to depreciation).

Step by step solution

Appreciates

When a currency appreciates, it means that its value increases compared to other currencies. This could happen due to various factors such as a stronger economy, higher interest rates, or increased demand for the currency in the foreign exchange market. When a currency appreciates, it is said to have gained value or become stronger. For example, if USD 1 used to buy EUR 0.80 and now buys EUR 0.85, then the USD has appreciated against the EUR.

Depreciates

Depreciation of a currency means that its value decreases relative to other currencies. This can be a result of a weaker economy, lower interest rates, or decreased demand for the currency in the foreign exchange market. When a currency depreciates, it is said to have lost value or become weaker. For example, if USD 1 used to buy EUR 0.80 and now buys EUR 0.75, then the USD has depreciated against the EUR.

Becomes stronger

When a currency becomes stronger, it means that its value has increased compared to other currencies. This term is often used interchangeably with "appreciates." A stronger currency typically indicates a strong economy, attractive interest rates, or higher demand for the currency in the foreign exchange market. For example, if the exchange rate between the USD and EUR improves from USD 1 = EUR 0.80 to USD 1 = EUR 0.85, the USD has become stronger against the EUR.

Becomes weaker

Becoming weaker is the opposite of becoming stronger - it means that a currency's value has decreased relative to other currencies. This term is used interchangeably with "depreciates." A weaker currency generally indicates a weaker economy, less attractive interest rates, or lower demand for the currency in the foreign exchange market. For example, if the exchange rate between the USD and EUR changes from USD 1 = EUR 0.80 to USD 1 = EUR 0.75, the USD has become weaker against the EUR.

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