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Major Determinants of Interest Rates

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Major Determinants of Interest Rates
Inflation
Inflation is a factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of interest rates. “Inflation is an increase in prices of goods and services over time”(Financial Institutions, Instruments and Markets, 2012). Inflation is the natural byproduct of a robust, growing economy. No inflation, or deflation (the lowering of prices), is actually a much worse economic indicator. Also, in a healthy economy, wages rise at the same rate as prices. A standard explanation for the cause of inflation is "too much money chasing too few goods" This is also called the demand-pull theory. For several possible reasons, more money is being spent than normal. This could be because interest rates are low and …show more content…

In other words, the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another” (Investopedia, 2012). Exchange rates play a fundamental role in Australia’s level of trade. Exchange rates are among the most watched, analysed and governmentally manipulated economic measures, but exchange rates matter on a smaller scale as well because an example being they impact the real return of an investor's portfolio (Investopedia, 2012). Exchange rates and interest rates, as well as inflation, are all interconnected. “Higher interest rates offer lenders, such as Australia’s four big banks; ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth and Westpac, a higher return compared to other countries...however lower interest rates tend to decrease exchange rates” (Investopedia, 2012). Australia’s exchange rates are published daily except on public and bank holidays by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The table below shows the exchange rates for the 13th, 14th and 17th of September 2012 (RBA website). Units of foreign currency per A$ (Reserve Bank of Australia) | | 13th September 2012 | 14th September 2012 | 17th September 2012 | United States Dollar | 1.0471 | 1.0579 | 1.0534 | European Euro | 0.8102 | 0.8115 | 0.8022 | Chinese Renminbi | 6.6291 | 6.6835 | 6.6530 | Japanese Yen | 81.37 | 82.06 | 82.47 | United Kingdom Pound | 0.6498 | 0.6531 | 0.6493 | Indian Rupee | 58.07 | 57.85 | 56.75 | Thailand Baht | 32.48 | 32.55 | 32.43 |

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