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The lesson for Asia is; if you have a central bank, have a…

“The lesson for Asia is; if you have a central bank, have a floating exchange rate; if you want to have a fixed exchange rate, abolish your central bank and adopt a currency board instead. Either extreme; a fixed exchange rate through a currency board, but no central bank, or a central bank plus…” quote by Milton Friedman
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“The lesson for Asia is; if you have a central bank, have a floating exchange rate; if you want to have a fixed exchange rate, abolish your central bank and adopt a currency board instead. Either extreme; a fixed exchange rate through a currency board, but no central bank, or a central bank plus truly floating exchange rates; either of those is a tenable arrangement. But a pegged exchange rate with a central bank is a recipe for trouble.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates either a floating rate with a central bank or a fixed rate with a currency board, rejecting mixed systems.

In simple terms: Choose a clear monetary regime, not a hybrid.

Key Takeaway

Avoid mixed exchange-rate systems.

Themes

monetary policy exchange rates central banking currency boards

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • central bank planning
  • currency board implementation
  • investment decisions
  • inflation control

Key Concepts

float vs peg policy consistency financial stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is a pure float or a pure peg more realistic for your economy?
  • What risks arise from a hybrid approach?
A Different Perspective

Mixed regimes can cause market confusion and speculative attacks.

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