Equilibrium and adjustment of exchange rates in the Chinese silver standard economy, 1928–1935

摘要

We examine the equilibrium and adjustment of exchange rates in the Chinese silver standard economy, 1928–1935. We find a robust long-run relationship between the Chinese dollar exchange rate and the metallic value of the Chinese dollar. The deviation from the equilibrium is short-lived and is quickly eliminated by arbitrage activities. We also find that governmental measures to limit free silver flows can disrupt this equilibrium relationship.