Rare Disasters and Exchange Rates

Xavier Gabaix and Emmanuel Farhi

No 10334, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We propose a new model of exchange rates, based on the hypothesis that the possibility of rare but extreme disasters is an important determinant of risk premia in asset markets. The probability of world disasters as well as each country's exposure to these events is time-varying. This creates joint fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, options, and stock markets. The model accounts for a series of major puzzles in exchange rates: excess volatility and exchange rate disconnect, forward premium puzzle and large excess returns of the carry trade, and comovements between stocks and exchange rates. It also makes empirically successful signature predictions regarding the link between exchange rates and telltale signs of disaster risk in currency options.

Keywords: Disaster risk; Forward premium puzzle; International macro-finance puzzles; Risk-reversals; Uncovered interest rate parity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G12 G15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-mon and nep-opm
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (34)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Rare Disasters and Exchange Rates (2008)
Working Paper: Rare Disasters and Exchange Rates (2008)
Working Paper: Rare Disasters and Exchange Rates
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