Cyclical Fluctuations in Brazil's Real Exchange Rate: The Role of Domestic and External Factors

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of capital inflows and domestic factors on Brazil’s real exchange rate. It describes the analytical framework, and then estimates a near-VAR model linking capital flows, interest rate differentials, government spending, money-base velocity, and the temporary component of the real exchange rate (TCRER). Generalized variance decompositions indicate that world interest rate shocks largely explain medium-term fluctuations in capital flows and the TCRER. Generalized impulse response functions show that a reduction in the world interest rate (and, to a lesser extent, an increase in government spending) have significant effects on the TCRER and capital flows.