CASE FOR MANAGED EXCHANGE-RATES

The incorporation of adaptive expectations by Dornbusch in a Mundell‐Fleming model modifies significantly the traditional results of policy effectiveness in a small, open economy. While monetary policy is still able to influence aggregate demand when flexible exchange rates prevail, the effects of this policy on other important variables in the economy during the adjustment process to a new equilibrium may be considered sufficiently ‘disruptive’ so that the authorities will be hesitant to use their only fully‐effective policy instrument for income‐stabilization purposes. However, by adding a target level for the exchange rate to their list of goal variables and by using an appropriate mix of monetary and fiscal policies, it appears to be possible for the government to avoid these disruptive side effects. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved