History Faculty Database
History
Arts & Sciences
Duke University

 HOME > Arts & Sciences > History > Faculty    Search Help Login pdf version printable version 

Publications [#239117] of Gianni Toniolo

Journal Articles

  1. Cesarano, F; Cifarelli, G; Toniolo, G, Exchange Rate Regimes and Reserve Policy: The Italian Lira, 1883-1911, Open Economies Review, vol. 23 no. 2 (April, 2012), pp. 253-275, Springer Nature, ISSN 0923-7992 [doi]
    (last updated on 2024/03/29)

    Abstract:
    The three exchange rate regimes adopted by Italy from 1883 up to the eve of World War I - the gold standard (1883-1893), floating rates (1894-1902), and "gold shadowing" (1903-1911)-produced a puzzling result: formal adherence to the gold standard ended in failure while shadowing the gold standard proved very successful. This paper discusses the main policies underlying Italy's performance particularly focusing on the strategy of reserve accumulation. It presents a cointegration analysis identifying a distinct co-movement between exchange rate, reserves, and banknotes that holds over the three sub-periods of the sample. Given this long-run relationship, the different performance in each regime is explained by the diversity of policy measures, reflected in the different variables adjusting the system in the various regimes. Italy's variegated experience during the gold standard provides a valuable lesson about current developments in the international scenario, showing the central role of fundamentals and consistent policies. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.


Duke University * Arts & Sciences * History * Faculty * Staff * Grad * Reload * Login