Barry Eichengreen Working Paper 2
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Beauty Is Not in the Eye of the Beholder
Insight Consumer and Wealth Management Digital Assets: Beauty Is Not in the Eye of the Beholder Parsing the Beauty from the Beast. Investment Strategy Group | June 2021 Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani Chief Investment Officer Investment Strategy Group Goldman Sachs The co-authors give special thanks to: Farshid Asl Managing Director Matheus Dibo Shahz Khatri Vice President Vice President Brett Nelson Managing Director Michael Murdoch Vice President Jakub Duda Shep Moore-Berg Harm Zebregs Vice President Vice President Vice President Shivani Gupta Analyst Oussama Fatri Yousra Zerouali Vice President Analyst ISG material represents the views of ISG in Consumer and Wealth Management (“CWM”) of GS. It is not financial research or a product of GS Global Investment Research (“GIR”) and may vary significantly from those expressed by individual portfolio management teams within CWM, or other groups at Goldman Sachs. 2021 INSIGHT Dear Clients, There has been enormous change in the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology since we first wrote about it in 2017. The number of cryptocurrencies has increased from about 2,000, with a market capitalization of over $200 billion in late 2017, to over 8,000, with a market capitalization of about $1.6 trillion. For context, the market capitalization of global equities is about $110 trillion, that of the S&P 500 stocks is $35 trillion and that of US Treasuries is $22 trillion. Reported trading volume in cryptocurrencies, as represented by the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, has increased sixfold, from an estimated $6.8 billion per day in late 2017 to $48.6 billion per day in May 2021.1 This data is based on what is called “clean data” from Coin Metrics; the total reported trading volume is significantly higher, but much of it is artificially inflated.2,3 For context, trading volume on US equity exchanges doubled over the same period. -
Stable Coin Evolution and Market Trends
Stable Coin evolution and market trends Key observations PwC’s market analysis | October 2018 www.pwc.com.au 2 Stable Coin Evolution and Market Trends Stable Coin Evolution and Market Trends 3 Key observations in 5 9 Presently there are at least 75 projects Stablecoins should not be equated with the Stable Coin Evolution that could be considered “stable coin” asset they are backed by in terms of safety projects. With the deluge of projects and and stability. The legitimacy and long term the amount of capital they have raised, the viability of some stablecoins will be at the The stable coin evolution and trends discussed in this paper are the interpretation of information cryptocurrency space could enter into its whim of investor expectations. Understanding gathered via market research and questionnaires sent to 50+ stable coin projects. They are own form of quantitative easing. This may be what these coins truly represent and their therefore interpretation of this data from the authors at the time this paper was drafted. driven by fiat or asset backed funds entering functionalities is a must for anyone who is the ecosystem that could find it’s way into looking to deploy capital into this market. George Samman investing into many of the cryptocurrency Co-Authors: John(3rd party Shipman expert) (PwC) George Samman projects trading on exchanges. [email protected] (3rd party expert) [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/ in/georgesamman/ 10 6 Fiat-backed stablecoins can never be100% Executive Summary censorship resistant, permission-less and Exchanges are hedging themselves against trust-less. -
Banking on Bitcoin: BTC As Collateral
Banking on Bitcoin: BTC as Collateral Arcane Research Bitstamp Arcane Research is a part of Arcane Crypto, Bitstamp is the world’s longest-running bringing data-driven analysis and research cryptocurrency exchange, supporting to the cryptocurrency space. After launch in investors, traders and leading financial August 2019, Arcane Research has become institutions since 2011. With a proven track a trusted brand, helping clients strengthen record, cutting-edge market infrastructure their credibility and visibility through and dedication to personal service with a research reports and analysis. In addition, human touch, Bitstamp’s secure and reliable we regularly publish reports, weekly market trading venue is trusted by over four million updates and articles to educate and share customers worldwide. Whether it’s through insights. their intuitive web platform and mobile app or industry-leading APIs, Bitstamp is where crypto enters the world of finance. For more information, visit www.bitstamp.net 2 Banking on Bitcoin: BTC as Collateral Banking on bitcoin The case for bitcoin as collateral The value of the global market for collateral is estimated to be close to $20 trillion in assets. Government bonds and cash-based securities alike are currently the most important parts of a well- functioning collateral market. However, in that, there is a growing weakness as rehypothecation creates a systemic risk in the financial system as a whole. The increasing reuse of collateral makes these assets far from risk-free and shows the potential instability of the financial markets and that it is more fragile than many would like to admit. Bitcoin could become an important part of the solution and challenge the dominating collateral assets in the future. -
How Goldsmiths Created Money Page 1 of 2
Money: Banking, Spending, Saving, and Investing The Creation of Money How Goldsmiths Created Money Page 1 of 2 If you want to understand money, you have got to start with its history, and that means gold. Have you ever wondered why gold is so valuable? I mean, it is a really weak metal that does not have a lot of really practical uses. Maybe it is because it reminded people of the sun, which was worshipped in ancient times, that everyone decided they wanted it. Once everyone wants it, it is capable as serving as a medium of exchange. That is, gold can be used as money, and it is an ideal commodity to serve as a medium of exchange because it’s portable, it’s durable, it’s divisible, and it’s standardizable. Everybody recognizes what they want, it can be broken into little pieces, carried around, it doesn’t rot, and it is a great thing to serve as money. So, before long, gold is circulating in the form of coins. When gold circulates as coins, it is called commodity money, that is, money that has intrinsic value made out of something people want. Now, once gold coins begin to circulate as the medium of exchange, we have got another problem. That problem is security. Imagine that you are in the ancient world, lugging around bags and bags of gold. You are going to be pretty vulnerable to bandits. So what you want to do is make sure that there is a safe place to store your gold because you can store all of your wealth in the form of this valuable commodity, but you do not want it all lying around somewhere that it is easy for somebody else to pick off. -
New Monetarist Economics: Methods∗
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Research Department Staff Report 442 April 2010 New Monetarist Economics: Methods∗ Stephen Williamson Washington University in St. Louis and Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond and St. Louis Randall Wright University of Wisconsin — Madison and Federal Reserve Banks of Minneapolis and Philadelphia ABSTRACT This essay articulates the principles and practices of New Monetarism, our label for a recent body of work on money, banking, payments, and asset markets. We first discuss methodological issues distinguishing our approach from others: New Monetarism has something in common with Old Monetarism, but there are also important differences; it has little in common with Keynesianism. We describe the principles of these schools and contrast them with our approach. To show how it works, in practice, we build a benchmark New Monetarist model, and use it to study several issues, including the cost of inflation, liquidity and asset trading. We also develop a new model of banking. ∗We thank many friends and colleagues for useful discussions and comments, including Neil Wallace, Fernando Alvarez, Robert Lucas, Guillaume Rocheteau, and Lucy Liu. We thank the NSF for financial support. Wright also thanks for support the Ray Zemon Chair in Liquid Assets at the Wisconsin Business School. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis, or the Federal Reserve System. 1Introduction The purpose of this essay is to articulate the principles and practices of a school of thought we call New Monetarist Economics. It is a companion piece to Williamson and Wright (2010), which provides more of a survey of the models used in this literature, and focuses on technical issues to the neglect of methodology or history of thought. -
Should the Federal Reserve Issue a Central Bank Digital Currency? by Paul H
Should the Federal Reserve Issue a Central Bank Digital Currency? By Paul H. Kupiec August 2021 During Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s July 2021 congressional testimony, several elected members encouraged Powell to fast-track the issuance of a Federal Reserve digital cur- rency. Chairman Powell indicated he is not convinced there is a need for a Fed digital currency. But he also indicated that Fed staff are actively studying the issue and that his opinion could change based on their findings and recommendations. In this report, I explain how a new Fed- eral Reserve digital currency would interface with the existing payment system and review the policy issues associated with introducing a Fed digital currency. The Bank for International Settlements defines Governors of the Federal Reserve System 2021b). “central bank digital currency” as “a digital payment Digital deposits are money recorded in (electronic) instrument, denominated in the national unit of ledger entries with no physical form. Digital Fed- account, that is a direct liability of the central eral Reserve deposits can only be held by financial bank” (BIS 2020). In his semiannual appearance institutions (primarily banks) eligible for master before Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome accounts at a Federal Reserve bank. Powell indicated that the Fed was studying the idea Most businesses and consumers are not eligible of creating a new dollar-based central bank digital to own Federal Reserve master accounts, so they currency (USCBDC) (Lee 2021). The design of cannot own Federal Reserve digital deposits under USCBDC has important implications for the US finan- current arrangements. They can own central bank cial system. -
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers and 2019 Year in Review
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers and 2019 Year in Review February 19, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT Bar Association New Britain, CT CT Bar Institute, Inc. CT: 1.0 CLE Credits (General) NY: 1.0 CLE Credits (AOP) No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of these materials. Readers should check primary sources where appropriate and use the traditional legal research techniques to make sure that the information has not been affected or changed by recent developments. Page 1 of 51 Lawyers’ Principles of Professionalism As a lawyer I must strive to make our system of justice work fairly and Where consistent with my client's interests, I will communicate with efficiently. In order to carry out that responsibility, not only will I comply opposing counsel in an effort to avoid litigation and to resolve litigation with the letter and spirit of the disciplinary standards applicable to all that has actually commenced; lawyers, but I will also conduct myself in accordance with the following Principles of Professionalism when dealing with my client, opposing I will withdraw voluntarily claims or defense when it becomes apparent parties, their counsel, the courts and the general public. that they do not have merit or are superfluous; Civility and courtesy are the hallmarks of professionalism and should not I will not file frivolous motions; be equated with weakness; I will endeavor to be courteous and civil, both in oral and in written I will make every effort to agree with other counsel, as early as possible, on communications; a voluntary -
What Keeps Stablecoins Stable?
What Keeps Stablecoins Stable? Richard K. Lyons and Ganesh Viswanath-Natraj∗ First version: December 21, 2019 (posted SSRN) This version: May 3, 2020 Abstract We take this question to be isomorphic to, "What Keeps Fixed Exchange Rates Fixed?" and address it with analysis familiar in exchange-rate economics. Stablecoins solve the volatility problem by pegging to a national currency, typically the US dollar, and are used as vehicles for exchanging national currencies into non-stable cryptocurrencies, with some stablecoins having a ratio of trading volume to outstanding supply exceeding one daily. Using a rich dataset of signed trades and order books on multiple exchanges, we examine how peg-sustaining arbitrage stabilizes the price of the largest stablecoin, Tether. We find that stablecoin issuance, the closest analogue to central-bank intervention, plays only a limited role in stabilization, pointing instead to stabilizing forces on the demand side. Following Tether’s introduction to the Ethereum blockchain in 2019, we find increased investor access to arbitrage trades, and a decline in arbitrage spreads from 70 to 30 basis points. We also pin down which fundamentals drive the two-sided distribution of peg- price deviations: Premiums are due to stablecoins’ role as a safe haven, exhibiting, for example, premiums greater than 100 basis points during the COVID-19 crisis of March 2020; discounts derive from liquidity effects and collateral concerns. Keywords: Cryptocurrency, stablecoins, fixed exchange rates, monetary policy, intervention JEL Classifications: E5, F3, F4, G15, G18 ∗UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and NBER ([email protected]), and Warwick Business School ([email protected]), respectively. -
Money As 'Universal Equivalent' and Its Origins in Commodity Exchange
MONEY AS ‘UNIVERSAL EQUIVALENT’ AND ITS ORIGIN IN COMMODITY EXCHANGE COSTAS LAPAVITSAS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF LONDON [email protected] MAY 2003 1 1.Introduction The debate between Zelizer (2000) and Fine and Lapavitsas (2000) in the pages of Economy and Society refers to the conceptualisation of money. Zelizer rejects the theorising of money by neoclassical economics (and some sociology), and claims that the concept of ‘money in general’ is invalid. Fine and Lapavitsas also criticise the neoclassical treatment of money but argue, from a Marxist perspective, that ‘money in general’ remains essential for social science. Intervening, Ingham (2001) finds both sides confused and in need of ‘untangling’. It is worth stressing that, despite appearing to be equally critical of both sides, Ingham (2001: 305) ‘strongly agrees’ with Fine and Lapavitsas on the main issue in contention, and defends the importance of a theory of ‘money in general’. However, he sharply criticises Fine and Lapavitsas for drawing on Marx’s work, which he considers incapable of supporting a theory of ‘money in general’. Complicating things further, Ingham (2001: 305) also declares himself ‘at odds with Fine and Lapavitsas’s interpretation of Marx’s conception of money’. For Ingham, in short, Fine and Lapavitsas are right to stress the importance of ‘money in general’ but wrong to rely on Marx, whom they misinterpret to boot. Responding to these charges is awkward since, on the one hand, Ingham concurs with the main thrust of Fine and Lapavitsas and, on the other, there is little to be gained from contesting what Marx ‘really said’ on the issue of money. -
Regulation, Supervision and Oversight of “Global Stablecoin” Arrangements
Regulation, Supervision and Oversight of “Global Stablecoin” Arrangements Final Report and High-Level Recommendations 13 October 2020 The Financial Stability Board (FSB) coordinates at the international level the work of national financial authorities and international standard-setting bodies in order to develop and promote the implementation of effective regulatory, supervisory and other financial sector policies. Its mandate is set out in the FSB Charter, which governs the policymaking and related activities of the FSB. These activities, including any decisions reached in their context, shall not be binding or give rise to any legal rights or obligations. Contact the Financial Stability Board Sign up for e-mail alerts: www.fsb.org/emailalert Follow the FSB on Twitter: @FinStbBoard E-mail the FSB at: [email protected] Copyright © 2020 Financial Stability Board. Please refer to the terms and conditions Table of Contents Executive summary ................................................................................................................. 1 Glossary .................................................................................................................................. 5 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7 1. Characteristics of global stablecoins ................................................................................ 9 1.1. Stabilisation mechanism ....................................................................................... -
From Tether to Libra: Stablecoins, Digital Currency and the Future of Money
From Tether to Libra: Stablecoins, Digital Currency and the Future of Money Alexander Lipton1, Aetienne Sardon2, Fabian Schar¨ 3, and Christian Schupbach¨ 2 1Sila, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2Swisscom, Digital Business Unit, Fintech 3Center for Innovative Finance, University of Basel [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] I. INTRODUCTION of new technologies, such as Distributed Ledger Technology What first started as a niche phenomenon within the (DLT), has subtly diverged our focus away from ”how can cryptocurrency community has now reached the realms of we create value” to ”how can we use this technology”. multinational conglomerates, policy makers, and central banks. In order to prevent falling prey to deceptive innovation, From JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon to Facebook’s Mark policymakers, incumbents, challengers and the general public Zuckerberg, stablecoins have made their way onto the alike should have the interest to develop a sound understanding agenda of today’s top CEOs. As projects like Libra have of stablecoins. enjoyed broad media coverage they are also increasingly III. WIR: A STABLECOIN PRECURSOR scrutinized by regulatory authorities, [1] [2] [3]. And as the term “stablecoin” spread, its meaning started to blur. This is The concept of devising a supplementary currency system problematic. An unclear definition may make us susceptible is not a new one. One of the most successful examples is to deceptive innovation, that is, reintroducing existing services the Swiss WIR Bank, formerly known as the Swiss Economic but in a different appearance. We ought to ask ourselves: are Circle. -
The Neo-Chartalist Approach to Money by L. Randall Wray
The Neo-Chartalist Approach to Money by L. Randall Wray* Working Paper No. 10 July 2000 ∗ Senior Research Associate, Center for Full Employment and Price Stability, University of Missouri-Kansas City In his interesting and important chapter, Charles Goodhart makes three main contributions. First, he argues that there are two competing approaches to the study of money, with one dominating most research and policy formation to the virtual exclusion of the other. Second, he examines and rejects Mundel’s Optimal Currency Area approach, which is based on the dominant approach to money, leading to a criticism of the theoretical basis for European Monetary Union. Finally, he introduces some historical literature on the origins of coins and money that is not familiar to most economists, and that seems to conflict with the dominant approach to money. This chapter will focus primarily on what Goodhart identifies as the neglected “cartalist”, or “chartalist” approach to money, with a brief analysis of the historical evidence and only a passing reference to the critique of Mundel’s theory. I. The Orthodox, M-form, Approach Goodhart calls the orthodox approach the M-form, for Metalist. This is so dominant that it scarcely needs any exposition, however it will be useful to briefly outline its main features in order to contrast them with the “Chartalist” or C-form theory later. I still think the Metalist approach is best summarized in a quote from Samuelson I like to use. Inconvenient as barter obviously is, it represents a great step forward from a state of self-sufficiency in which every man had to be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none….If we were to construct history along hypothetical, logical lines, we should naturally follow the age of barter by the age of commodity money.