1. Lecture 8: Parity Models and Foreign Exchange Rates
Evaluating Current Spot Rates and Forecasting Rates with Parity Models:
The Purchasing Power Parity Model

2. Where is this Financial Center?

3. Frankfurt: Home of the ECB

4. New ECB Towers: Completion Date 2014

5. What are Parity Models? Parity is defined as a state of equilibrium.
Foreign exchange parity models “estimate” what the equilibrium spot exchange rate should be (under the model’s assumptions):
(1) Is today’s spot rate appropriate?
(2) What might the spot rate be in the future (forecasting future spot rates).
Generally involving a long term forecasting horizon.
Parity models have an economic basis (i.e., theory) for their spot rate determination.

6. Why are Parity Models Important?
Testing the “correctness” of a spot rate.
Could be important for a trading strategy.
Is the currency overvalued or undervalued?
Overvalued: perhaps a sell short strategy.
Undervalued: perhaps a buy long strategy.
Establishing a future spot rate
Could be important for:
International capital budgeting decisions
Converting estimated foreign currency cash flows into MNC’s home currency as part of the capital budgeting process (location decision).
Investment and Financing decisions
Converting estimated investment inflows from investments into home currency equivalents and converting estimated financing outflows into home currency equivalents.

7. Two Major Spot FX Parity Models
(1) Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
Model assumes relative rates of inflation (or relative prices) between two countries as the major determinant of future spot exchange rates.
The subject of this lecture
(2) International Fisher Effect (IFE)
Model assumes relative rates of long term interest between two countries as the major determinant of future spot exchange rates.
The subject of the next lecture

8. Purchasing Power Parity Theory
The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) explains and quantifies the relationship between inflation and spot exchange rates.
The theory of Purchasing Power Parity says that in the long run, differences in inflation rates between countries are transmitted through changes in relative exchange rates. I
The theory states that the spot exchange rate between two currencies should be equal to the ratio of the two countries’ price levels.
Idea was first proposed by the classical economist, David Ricardo, in the 19th century.
The concept was expanded by the Swedish economist, Gustav Cassel, during the years after WW1 (1918 -) when countries in Europe were experiencing hyperinflation.

9. Anecdotal Evidence in Support of PPP Model
Historically low inflation rate countries have been associated with strong currencies:
Switzerland, Japan, Germany
Historically high inflation rate countries have been associated with weak currencies:
Countries in South America and Africa
Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Chile
Zimbabwe

10. Two Forms of PPP Absolute PPP:
At a point in time, the equilibrium spot exchange rate is that rate which results in the prices of similar goods in two different countries being equal.
This form of the PPP can be used to test how “appropriate” a current spot exchange rate is and to indicate a future move in the exchange rate.
Relative PPP:
Over time, the change in the exchange rate between two currencies should be equal to the rate of change in the prices of similar goods between the two countries.
This form of the PPP is used to forecast the equilibrium spot exchange rate in the future and generally over a long time horizon.

11. Rationale Behind the PPP: The Law of One Price
The Purchasing Power Parity model is based on the Law of One Price:
The Law of One Price states that all else equal (i.e., no transaction costs or other frictions, like tariffs or cultural differences) a product’s price (adjusted by the exchange rate) should be the same in all markets.
Why will the product’s price be the same?
The principle of competitive markets assumes that prices will equalize as consumers shift their purchases to those markets (or countries) where prices are the lowest.
Also arbitrage activities will (might) result in similar prices.

12. Law of One Price Formulas
The Law of One Price assumes that prices for similar products between two countries should be the same after adjusting for exchange rates, or
The price of product A in the United States in U.S. dollars (PUSD), adjusted by the spot exchange rate, should equal the foreign currency price (PFC) of product A in a foreign country.
Law of One Price formulas:
PUSD Spot FX rateET = PFC
Where ET = European Terms quote
PUSD/Spot FX rateAT = PFC
Where AT = American Terms quote

13. Example 1: Law of One Price
Assume:
A Big Mac hamburger costs $4.00 in the United States and
The current yen spot exchange rate (USD/JPY) is ¥76.75
According to the Law of One Price, the “equilibrium” Big Mac hamburger price in Japan should be:
PUSD  Spot FX RateET = P¥
$4.00 x ¥76.75 = ¥307
At these two local currency prices ($4.00 and ¥307) and given the spot exchange rate (76.75) there is no difference in exchange rate adjusted prices for a Big Mac in the United States and Japan.

14. Example 2: Law of One Price
Assume:
A Big Mac hamburger costs $4.00 in the United States and
The current British pound spot exchange rate (GBP/USD) is $1.5380
According to the Law of One Price, the “equilibrium” Big Mac hamburger price in the UK should be:
PUSD/Spot FX RateAT = P£
$4.00/$ = £2.60
At these two local currency prices ($4.00 and £2.60) and given the spot exchange rate (1.5380) there is no difference in exchange rate adjusted prices for a Big Mac in the United States and the United Kingdom.

15. The Absolute PPP Exchange Rate
The absolute PPP spot exchange rate is the exchange rate which results in the prices of similar goods between two countries being the same.
For European Terms quoted currencies the absolute PPP formula is:
Absolute PPP FX RateET = PFC/PUSD
Where PFC is the price in the foreign market
And PUSD is the price in the U.S. market

16. Example: The Absolute PPP Exchange Rate For European Terms Quotes
Example: Assume the price of a Starbuck’s grande vanilla latte in the United States is $ and 7.40CHF in Switzerland. Given this information, calculate the absolute PPP USD-CHF spot exchange rate.
Absolute PPP FX RateET = PFC/PUSD
USD-CHF ______________

17. Answer
Example: Assume the price of a Starbuck’s grande vanilla latte in the United States is $ and 7.40CHF in Switzerland. Given this information, calculate the absolute PPP spot exchange rate.
Absolute PPP FX RateET = PFC/PUSD
Spot USD-CHF FX RateET = 7.40/3.75 =
At the price of this Starbucks is the same in the U.S. and Switzerland:
7.40/ = $3.75

18. The Absolute PPP Exchange Rate: American Terms Quotes
For American Terms quoted currencies the absolute PPP formula is:
Absolute PPP FX RateAT = PUSD/PFC
Where PFC is the price in the foreign market
And PUSD is the price in the U.S. market
Example: Assume the price of an official NBA basketball in the U.S. is $180 and in the U.K the price is 105 pounds.
Calculate the Absolute PPP Exchange Rate.

19. Answer
Example: Assume the price of an official NBA basketball in the U.S. is $180 and in the U.K the price is 105 pounds. Given this information, calculate the Absolute PPP Exchange Rate
Absolute PPP FX RateAT = PUSD/PFC
Spot GBP-USD = 180/105 =
At the price of this basketball is the same in the U.S. and the U.K.:
105 x = $180.00

20. Evaluating Spot Rates
Once we have calculated the absolute PPP exchange rate, we can compare that rate to the actual spot rate as one test of the “correctness” of the actual spot rate as well as the future move in the exchange rate.
Using the Absolute PPPs on the previous slides and actual spot rates (Oct 26, 2012), comment on the data (is the foreign currency overvalued or undervalued? What about the U.S. dollar?):
(1) USD-CHF PPPET = (actual spot = )
(2) GBP/USD PPPAT = (actual spot = )

21. Answers
Using the Absolute PPPs on the previous slides and actual spot rates (Oct 26, 2012), comment on the data.
Is the foreign currency overvalued or undervalued? What about the U.S. dollar?:
(1) USD-CHF PPPET = (actual spot = )
CHF is overvalued (USD is undervalued)
(2) GBP/USD PPPAT = (actual spot = )
GBP is undervalued (USD is overvalued)

22. Rules for the Absolute PPP
The Absolute PPP can be used to “estimate” whether a foreign currency’s spot rate is overvalued or undervalued and possible future move by using the following rules:
Absolute PPP European Terms:
If PPP Spot < Current Spot, then the currency is undervalued (thus currency may appreciate).
E.g.: PPP = 100; Current Spot = 110
If PPP Spot > Current Spot, then the currency is overvalued (thus currency may depreciate).
E.g.: PPP = 100; Current Spot = 90
Absolute PPP American Terms:
If PPP Spot > Current Spot, then the currency is undervalued (thus currency may appreciate).
E.g.: PPP = $1.20; Current Spot = $1.00
If PPP Spot < Current Spot, then the currency is overvalued (thus currency may depreciate).
E.g.: PPP = $1.20 Current Spot = $1.40

23. Using the Absolute PPP
In theory, the “absolute” PPP Spot exchange rate can be used to assess the “correctness” of a current spot rate on the basis of similar goods in different countries.
It suggests the possibility that a currency is overvalued or undervalued, and by how much?
Perhaps we can use this model for forecast the future move of a currency.
Where can we get data for the Absolute PPP model?
One source is the Economist "Big Mac” index.

24. Big Mac Index Interpreting the Data October 14, 2010
In the United States, a Big Mac costs $3.71.
While in China, a Big Mac costs 14.5 yuan.
Given the Oct 2010 exchange rate (USD/CNY) of a Big Mac in China worked out to $2.18 (14.5/6.6514). Note this is the Big Mac price on the chart.
The Absolute PPP for the yuan is the ratio of the yuan cost to the dollar cost, or: 14.5/3.71 =
Comparing spot (6.6514) to PPP (3.9084) suggested that the yuan was undervalued by 41%
( / = .41%)

25. Big Mac Index, January 2012

26. Changes in Currencies, 2007 - 2012

27. A Test of the Big-Mac: 1999, The Introduction of the Euro
The Euro was introduced on January 1, The first day ending trading price was $
According to the Big-Mac data, at the time of the euro’s introduction the Absolute PPP Spot rate could be calculated as follows:
Average price of a Big-Mac in the euro zone = €2.53
Average price of a Big-Mac in the U.S. = $2.63
Absolute PPP Spot RateAT = $2.63/€2.53 = $1.04
What does the Absolute PPP spot rate suggest about the euro on the day it was introduced?
Comparing the actual spot ($1.1874) to the Absolute PPP Spot ($1.04) suggested the euro was overvalued by about 12.5% on the day it began trading.

28. What Happened to the Euro? January 1, 1999 – December 31, 1999

29. Absolute PPP in Practice
In practice, use of the absolute PPP to test the “correctness” of a spot exchange rate depends on a number of factors:
Goods that are tradable; necessary for the assumption of competitive markets.
Goods that are comparable. Are the goods really similar in quality and quantity?
Are there government policies (tariffs and quotas) which render such goods not useful for absolute PPP calculations?
Are there cultural differences which render such goods not useful for absolute PPP calculations?

30. Impacts of Cultural Differences and Government Policy on Absolute PPP
Cultural Differences (Melons)
Tariffs and Quotas (Rice)
$37 USD
$32 USD

31. Examining Discrepancies Between Absolute PPP and Actual FX Rates
When the actual FX rate differs from the Absolute PPP rate, one needs to examine reasons for the discrepancy to determine if the spot rate will, or will not, move towards the Absolute PPP.
(1) Examine the exchange rate regime and the commitment of the government for that regime.
Does this account for the discrepancy between the Absolute PPP and the spot rate?
Chinese yuan and Hong Kong dollar.
(2) Are there economic or financial conditions which could account for the observed discrepancy and how long might they dominate the spot rate?
Relative economic performance, interest rates, trade balances, capital flows, safe haven effects, etc.
Swiss franc

32. Other Sources of Absolute PPP
To this point, we have focused on single goods when explaining and using the absolute PPP model.
However, a better use of the Absolute PPP model would probably involve a market basket of goods, not just one.
Market basket PPP exchange rates are published by both the OECD and the World Bank.

33. OECD PPP Exchange Rates and Actual RatesFX
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
USD/JPY
110.22
116.30
117.75
103.36
93.57
87.78
PPP:
129.55
124.61
120.16
116.84
115.35
111.38
USD/CHF
1.2452
1.2538
1.2004
1.0831
1.0881
1.0429
1.7427
1.6593
1.5997
1.5505
1.5313
1.5104
USD/CNY
8.1943
7.9734
7.6075
6.9487
6.8314
6.7703
3.448
3.465
3.622
3.821
3.764
3.946
EUR/USD
1.2436
1.2545
1.3687
1.4648
1.3892
1.3244
1.1670
1.2035
1.2157
1.2383
1.2505
1.2357
GBP/USD
1.8182
1.8400
2.0001
1.8384
1.5578
1.5452
1.5719
1.5949
1.5506
1.5638
1.5570
1.5349
AUD/USD
0.7637
0.7530
0.8368
0.8388
0.7799
0.9173
0.7203
0.7095
0.7008
0.6761
0.6887
0.6611

34. Comparing Actual to PPP

35. Comparing Actual to PPP

36. Comparing Actual to PPP

37. Relative Purchasing Power Parity
The second PPP model, the Relative Purchasing Power Parity model, is concerned with the “change” in the exchange rate over time.
The Relative Purchasing Power is not assessing the “correctness” of the current spot rate.
The relative PPP model suggests that spot exchange rates move in a manner opposite to the inflation differential between the two countries.
Specifically, the Relative PPP model suggests that the percent change in a spot exchange rate should be equal to, but opposite in direction to, the difference in the rates of inflation between countries.
This is a model which may be used to forecast an actual future spot rate.

38. Hyperinflation and Exchange Rates: Zimbabwe in 2008 (July 2008, Annual Inflation 231,150,888%)

39. Zimbabwe With Stable Prices Since 2009 (July 2012: 3
Zimbabwe With Stable Prices Since 2009 (July 2012: 3.24% Annual Rate of Inflation)

40. PPP Over the Long Term, 1980 - 2000 Lower Rates of Inflation
High Inflation
Countries

41. Relative PPP Formula: American Terms
For an American Term quoted currency:
PPP Spot RateAT = Current Spot RateAT x ((1 + INFUS)n/(1 + INFFC)n)
Where:
PPP Spot RateAT is the expected American Terms quoted spot rate some date in the future.
Current spot rate expressed in American terms.
INFUS is the expected annual rate of inflation in the United States (in decimal form).
INFFC is the expected annual rate of inflation in the foreign country (in decimal form).
N is the number of years in the future (which corresponds to the forecasted time period).

42. Relative PPP Formula: American Terms
Assume:
Current spot rate for British pounds (GBP/USD = $1.80
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.S. = 2.0%
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.K. = 3.0%
Given this data, calculate the Relative PPP spot pound FX rate 2 years from now using:
PPP Spot RateAT = Current Spot RateAT x ((1 + INFUS)n/(1 + INFFC)n)

43. Answer Given: Then, the spot pound 2 years from now is equal to:
Current spot rate for British pounds = $1.80
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.S. = 2.0%
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.K. = 3.0%
Then, the spot pound 2 years from now is equal to:
PPP Spot RateAT = Current Spot RateAT x ((1 + INFUS)n/(1 + INFFC)n)
Spot rate in 2 years = 1.80 (1+.02)2/(1+.03)2
Spot rate in 2 years = 1.80 (1.0404/1.0609)
Spot rate in 2 years = 1.80 (.9807)
Spot rate in 2 years = $1.7653

44. Relative PPP Formula: European Terms
For European Term quoted currency:
PPP Spot RateET = Current Spot RateET x ((1 + INFFC)n/(1 + INFUS)n)
Where:
PPPET spot rate is the expected European Terms quote spot rate at some date in the future.
Current spot rate expressed in European terms.
INFFC is the expected annual rate of inflation in the foreign country (in decimal form).
INFUS is the expected annual rate of inflation in the United States (in decimal form).
N is the number of years in the future (which corresponds to the forecasted time period).

45. Relative PPP Formula: European Terms
Assume:
Current spot rate for Japanese yen =
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.S. = 2.0%
Expected annual rate of inflation in Japan = 1.0%
Given this data, calculate the Relative PPP spot yen FX rate 2 years from now using:
PPP Spot RateET = Current Spot RateET x ((1 + INFFC)n/(1 + INFUS)n)

46. Answer
Given:
Current spot rate for Japanese yen =
Expected annual rate of inflation in the U.S. = 2.0%
Expected annual rate of inflation in Japan = 1.0%
Given this data, calculate the Relative PPP spot yen FX rate 2 years from now:
PPP Spot RateET = Current Spot RateET x ((1 + INFFC)n/(1 + INFUS)n)
Spot rate in 2 years = 111 (1+.01)2/(1+.02)2
Spot rate in 2 years = 111 (1.0201/1.0404)
Spot rate in 2 years = 111 (.9805)
Spot rate in 2 years =

47. Testing the PPP Model
The PPP model has been the subject of many empirical tests.
The tests involving the absolute PPP have generally concluded that commodity price arbitrage does not exist.
Thus, prices of similar goods do not seem to equalize between countries.
Perhaps this is explained on the basis of barriers to commodity price arbitrage across borders (e.g., transportation, tariffs, ,culture).
Tests of the relative PPP, over long periods of time, are more encouraging (recall the slide of the Relative PPP from 1980 – 2000)

48. PPP Over the Long Term, 1980 - 2000 Lower Rates of Inflation
High Inflation
Countries

49. Is the Relative PPP Useful for Short Time Periods?
While some studies have validated the reliability of the relative PPP model for “explaining” the long term relationship between inflation and exchange rate, studies which have examined the short term relationship have shown that actual FX rates can often move against the PPP rate.
See 2 slides which follow.
Perhaps this can be explained on the basis of short term potential factors which can move the exchange rate away from PPP.
Safe haven effects, government intervention, carry trade transactions, dirty floats, etc.

50. Tests of the PPP over the Short Run: The Euro and CAD
The Canadian Dollar

51. PPP Over the Short Term: G-9 Countries Quarterly Data; 1974 - 1998
Quarterly inflation differentials to the U.S. against the exchange rate change.
Source: Catherine Ho, “Time to Equilibrium in Exchange Rates, Global Financial Journal, 2012

52. The Relative PPP in Practice
While some historical data tends to validate the relative PPP over long periods of time, the practical issue for users is estimating future rates of inflation.
How can we do this?
Use recent historical data to estimate the future, or for a benchmark starting point.
Combine historical data with likely outcomes which might affect inflation (e.g., government deficits, economic growth, monetary policy)
Use independent forecasts of inflation date

53. Historical Inflation Data
Historical and Current Data:
Visit Central Bank Web sites at:
Or visit the Economist
Link to Economic and Financial Indicators (go to output, prices and jobs data).