There are many economic and political factors that affect currency stability. Among them are the actions of central banks in relation to the exchange rate, decisions of international organizations affecting economic issues, inflation and so on. Among the political factors, one can identify the state’s position in the world community, business relations with other states, elections, and a change of government. An important role is played by supply and demand, which, in turn, depend on the population, income level, tastes and preferences of the consumer audience, etc.
The most popular currencies in the world are the US dollar ($) and euro (€). The dollar is the currency that is most often used for international transactions. The main factors affecting the stability of these currencies are the policies of central banks and the economic performance of the United States and the European Union.
European currency stability on a global scale
If we consider the stability of the European currency on a global scale, there are not many currencies that are stronger than the euro, but they are. For example, as of September 2019,
- the rate of the pound of Sterling (one of the oldest and most stable world currencies) is 1,113 EUR;
- the rate of the Latvian lats is 1.5 EUR.
Oil exporting countries have gone even further from the EU countries:
- Bahraini dinar exchange rate – 2.41 EUR;
- for one Kuwaiti dinar you have to pay 2.99 EUR;
- and one Omani rial costs as much as 2.36 EUR.
The currencies listed are for various reasons, among the most expensive currencies in the world.
Many currencies depend on the export of natural raw materials such as oil. The exchange rate in such cases is tied to the price of oil. Such currencies include, for example, the Russian ruble and the Canadian dollar.
Reserve currency
There is such a thing as a reserve currency. These are the currencies that central banks of different countries accumulate as a resource. Of course, this fact shows the respectability of the currency. Among the reserve currencies, in addition to the dollar and the euro, the pound sterling, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Chinese yuan.
The level of inflation in the country affects the standard of living of the population. Of course, governments are monitoring inflation. At the end of 2018, Greece (0.6%), Portugal (0.6%), Denmark (0.7%) showed the lowest inflation rates. Japan took the first place in the world in 2018 in inflation (0.3%). Low inflation was recorded in the USA and Canada (1.9%). As for the Czech Republic, here in 2018 an average inflation rate is 1.6%. But if you look at the reverse side of the coin, you can see how high the inflation rate in Turkey is – 20.3% in 2018.
Value of cryptocurrency
Recently, in addition to traditional currencies, the issue of the value of cryptocurrency is also relevant. Since digital currencies do not have a centralized regulatory body, the possibility of the influence of central banks on the value of cryptocurrencies is excluded. To demonstrate the popularity of digital, we can indicate that the rate of Bitcoin (the first cryptocurrency), in relation to the dollar in 2017, rose to a record high of $ 20,000. Bitcoin has become so popular over the past two years that governments and central banks have begun to warn people that Bitcoin could become the next economic bubble. And some governments have even banned cryptocurrency trading. Currently, the Bitcoin exchange rate is 10 178 US dollars.
The most volatile currencies
What currencies are the weakest?
According to Worldatlas, the most volatile currencies in the world are
- North Korean won,
- Indonesian rupee,
- Venezuelan bolivar,
- Iranian rial
- and others.
Experts name a number of reasons for this situation. Among them are internal and external conflicts, civil unrest and clashes, incorrect economic decisions of the government, dependence of countries on raw materials and others.
In 2018, for various reasons, the Russian ruble, the Argentine peso, and the Turkish lira experienced some difficulties. The ruble exchange rate against the euro today is 0.014 EUR; Argentine Peso and Turkish Lira – 0.016 EUR.
The ruble is tied to the price of oil, which is mainly associated with the level of inflation, as well as other economic indicators of the country. In Turkey, the situation is not entirely clear. According to some sources, the main reason for the depreciation of the Turkish currency was the collapse of the exchange rate. Others believe that the high interest rates are to blame. Probably, the actions of the government and the Central Bank played an important role. In any case, the lyre continues to fall, prices rise, and the people lose confidence in the government.
Currency stability in the Czech Republic
As for the Czech koruna, today the rate to the Euro is 0,039 EUR. Over the past year, the dynamics of the course can be called stable.
Inflation in the Czech Republic at the moment is 2.932%. But that prices are not rising for all goods. Experts note that prices for alcohol and tobacco products continue to rise, while, for example, in the field of telecommunication services, prices are decreasing. For reference: the historical maximum inflation in the Czech Republic occurred in 1993, after the separation of Czechoslovakia. Then the inflation rate reached 21%. Regarding the future, the Czech Ministry of Finance makes favorable forecasts regarding inflation and the strengthening of the kroner against the euro.
The overall picture of the stability of world currencies described above has remained unchanged for more than a year, despite numerous fluctuations.
