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Exchange Rate Behaviour in ASEAN-5: The Role of Current Account, Inflation, and Political Stability

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21919/remef.v21i2.1319

Keywords:

Current Account, Inflation, Political Stability, Exchange Rate

Abstract

This study aims to examine how the current account, inflation rate, and political stability affect the exchange rates of domestic currencies in the ASEAN-5 countries during the period 2008–2022. A quantitative approach was employed using panel data that combines time series and cross-sectional data. The results show that the current account negatively affects exchange rates, where a surplus leads to domestic currency appreciation in ASEAN-5 countries. Inflation negatively affects exchange rates, supporting purchasing power parity theory and evidence from developing countries. Meanwhile, political stability exerts a positive influence on the exchange rate, highlighting the importance of stable political conditions in fostering market confidence and capital inflows. These findings reinforce the notion that exchange rate dynamics cannot be simplified to purely economic factors, but must be viewed as multidimensional, where non-economic factors such as political stability play a significant role. Accordingly, the implications of this study indicate that exchange rate stability in the ASEAN region is strongly influenced by a combination of external and domestic fundamentals, as well as coordinated monetary and fiscal policies to maintain external balance.

Author Biographies

Aulia Rahman Bato, State Islamic University of Alauddin

Aulia Rahman Bato is a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business, State Islamic University of Alauddin, Indonesia. His research interests include international economics, and monetary policy

Anas Iswanto Anwar, Hasanuddin University

Anas Iswanto Anwar is a Professor in the field of international monetary economics and a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. His research interests include international finance, monetary economics, and macroeconomic policy

Retno Fitrianti, Hasanuddin University

Retro Fitrianti is a Doctor in the field of international economics and a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. Her research interests include international trade, economic development, and globalization

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2026-03-16

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