Lanterna Rally

Author: International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1958-09-01

Total Pages: 398

ISBN-13: 1475549318

This paper analyses relatively little overall progress in the formal relaxation of restrictions. Certainly, progress in this respect was much less than in the immediately preceding years. On the other hand, there was a significant strengthening of most internationally traded currencies, particularly in the opening months of 1958. The rates in free markets began to approximate the rates in official markets. In this respect, there was continued progress toward what is commonly called external convertibility, although the present position still falls short of formal external convertibility. In some countries, restrictions were relaxed to only a limited extent, partly because earlier relaxations had left only restrictions of a protective nature and partly because of the more complex nature of the economic trends which characterized the period. In the light of these trends and, more particularly, of the currency speculation which arose during the middle of the period, it is notable that most countries were able to defend the progress toward freer trade and payments which had been made earlier.

Author: International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1951-09-03

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 1475548842

Annual Report on Exchange Arrangements and Exchange Restrictions 1951

Author: International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1960-09-01

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 1475549415

This paper focuses on progress in reducing or eliminating exchange restrictions that has been substantial and has been made on a wide front; retrogressions have been comparatively few. The beneficial effects of the widening scope of currency convertibility have been felt in many areas, and the evolution toward freer, more orderly, and less discriminatory trade and payments has been strongly supported by a high level of economic activity, expanding international trade, and the general maintenance of monetary stability. Recent developments in trade and payments have not merely reduced the scope of restrictions; they have also changed the nature of these restrictions. Of key importance was the introduction of external convertibility by several countries at the end of 1958. Quotations for externally convertible currencies in exchange markets throughout the world have shown only minor fluctuations in the past twelve months. Most Western European currencies have generally been strong in terms of the US dollar.