YALE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
WORKING PAPER NO. 33

ESTIMATING EXCHANGE RATE EQUATIONS
USING ESTIMATED EXPECTATIONS

Ray C. Fair

January 2008

This paper takes a somewhat different approach from the recent literature in estimating exchange rate equations. It assumes uncovered interest rate parity and models how expectations are formed. Agents are assumed to base their expectations of future interest rates and prices, which are needed in the determination of the exchange rate, on predictions from a ten equation VAR model. The overall model is estimated by FIML under model consistent expectations. The model generally does better than the random walk model, and its properties are consistent with observed effects on exchange rates from surprise interest rate and price announcements. Also, the focus on expectations is consistent with the large observed short run variability of exchange rates.

Keywords: Exchange rate equations, Uncovered interest rate parity

JEL Classification: F31