Financial Account
The financial account is the sum of foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investment, reserve assets and official borrowing.
The financial account is closely linked to the exchange rate.
Financial Account Surplus and Currency Appreciation
- Recall, a financial account surplus occurs when the inflow of financial capital exceeds the outflow of financial capital.
- The additional or excess credits directly causes an increase in domestic currency demand.
- Therefore, the domestic currency appreciates.
Financial Account Deficit and Currency Depreciation
- Similarly, financial account deficit occurs when the outflow of financial capital exceeds the inflow of financial capital.
- The excess debits in comparison to credits directly causes an increase in domestic currency supply.
- Therefore, the domestic currency depreciates.
- Further, if the currency is expected to depreciate, large outflow of funds can occur, which is known as capital flight (discussed further in 4.9.2).
Economic Reforms and Exchange Rate Dynamics in Atlantica
1. Reforms to Improve Investment Climate
Atlantica has recently undertaken a series of reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence and attracting foreign investment. Some of these reforms include:
- Deregulation and Reduced Bureaucracy:
The government has streamlined administrative procedures and reduced red tape, making it easier for businesses to operate. This deregulation lowers the cost of doing business and speeds up the process of starting new enterprises. - Tax Incentives and Lower Corporate Taxes:
Atlantica has introduced tax breaks and reduced corporate tax rates to encourage both domestic and foreign investment. These measures increase after-tax returns, making investments in Atlantica more attractive. - Improved Infrastructure and Technological Upgrades:
Investments in modern infrastructure, such as transportation networks and digital connectivity, have enhanced the overall business environment. Better infrastructure facilitates smoother business operations and access to global markets. - Political Stability and Transparent Governance:
With a stable political environment and transparent governance practices, investors face less uncertainty. Political stability and low corruption are key factors that reduce the risk premium associated with investment.
2. Capital Inflows and Currency Appreciation
As a result of these reforms, Atlantica experiences significant capital inflows:
- Capital Inflows:
Foreign investors, both through direct and portfolio investment, convert their own currency into Atlantica’s currency to take advantage of the improved investment climate. - Increased Demand for Atlantica’s Currency:
The surge in demand for Atlantica’s currency, driven by the desire to invest in its growing economy, pushes up the currency’s value. - Appreciation:
This results in an appreciation of Atlantica’s currency.
1. How does a financial account surplus affect the exchange rate?
2. What are the components of the financial account?
Theory of KnowledgeTo what extent should governments intervene in the financial account to influence the exchange rate?


