Properties of the Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Rate in Models of the UK Economy

Abstract

The Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Rate (FEER) is that value of the real exchange rate that is consistent with macroeconomic equilibriumo This article uses the long-run trade equation elasticities from the models of Her Majesty's Treasury, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and the Bank of England to examine the FEER calculation. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the key elasticities and to the possibility of a recent improvement in UK trading performance is considered. Historical comparisons are made between the FEER and the actual real exchange rate. All the results suggest that the real exchange rate was above the FEER at the time of ERM entry. The fixing of the nominal exchange rate removes a possible mechanism by which the economy might reach equilibrium and therefore convergence requires a period where UK inflation is lower than that of its trading partners.