Test: International Monetary System - UGC NET MCQ

• The Assertion is true because the international monetary system indeed stabilizes global trade by providing mechanisms for currency exchange and pricing.
• The Reason is also true as the system assists in absorbing economic shocks that can disrupt trade.
• However, the Reason does not serve as the correct explanation for the Assertion because while both statements are true, the main role of the system in stabilizing trade is more about facilitating exchange rather than solely focusing on shock absorption.

• The Assertion is correct: The integration of global financial markets has indeed transformed the monetary system, affecting how currencies are traded and how economies interact.
• The Reason is incorrect: While integration can lead to economic benefits, it also introduces risks and volatility, rather than reducing financial risks.
• Since the Reason does not accurately justify the Assertion, it is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.

- Statement 1 is incorrect because a fixed exchange rate system does not allow currencies to fluctuate; rather, it pegs the currency to a specific value or another currency, ensuring stability but limiting flexibility.

- Statement 2 is correct as a floating exchange rate system determines exchange rates based solely on supply and demand in the foreign exchange market, allowing for greater flexibility.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 2 Only.

The primary goal of the international monetary system is to facilitate the smooth exchange of goods, services, and investments across international borders. This system allows different countries to trade effectively by providing a framework for currency exchange and determining exchange rates. An interesting fact is that the international monetary system has evolved significantly since the establishment of the Bretton Woods system after World War II, which created fixed exchange rates linked to the US dollar, before transitioning to the current system of floating exchange rates.

The transition to floating exchange rates in 1973 allowed currency values to be determined by market forces of demand and supply, leading to greater flexibility. This system enabled countries to adjust their monetary policies according to their economic conditions. However, this flexibility also introduced higher exchange rate volatility, which can pose risks for international trade and investment. An interesting fact is that the floating exchange rate system is still in use today, allowing countries to respond dynamically to economic changes and global market conditions.

• The assertion is true because the international monetary system indeed provides a common unit of account, which is essential for facilitating trade between countries.
• The reason is also true as institutions like the IMF work to ensure that nations have access to financial resources.
• However, the reason does not directly explain the assertion, as the assertion focuses on the role of a common unit of account in trade, while the reason discusses the equitable access to resources.

The Interwar Period was marked by countries suspending the convertibility of their currencies into gold, primarily as a response to the financial demands of World War I. This suspension disrupted the established international monetary system and led to instability in exchange rates. A notable consequence was the difficulty in restoring the gold standard after the war, which had lasting impacts on global economic policies.

The classical gold standard provided a framework that allowed countries to tie their currencies to a specific quantity of gold, resulting in stable exchange rates. This stability made international trade more predictable and efficient, as traders could rely on fixed exchange rates rather than fluctuating values. An interesting fact is that the stability provided by the gold standard contributed to the growth of global trade networks during the 19th century, leading to significant economic expansion in many regions.

Statement 1 is correct because a currency union indeed allows member nations to adopt a shared currency and a unified monetary policy, promoting economic stability and reducing exchange rate risks.

Statement 2 is incorrect as the Bancor system was never implemented; it was a proposed concept that aimed to create a global currency but was not adopted in practice.

Hence, the correct option is A: 1 Only.

• Assertion (A) is true: The floating exchange rate system does indeed lead to increased volatility as it allows rates to fluctuate based on market dynamics.
• Reason (R) is also true: A floating exchange rate allows currency values to be determined by market forces without direct intervention from central banks.
• The reason provided explains why the assertion is true, as the absence of intervention is a primary factor contributing to the increased volatility.

Hence, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.