Assess whether a “zero appreciation” policy might be the most appropriate in managing the harmful effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis in Singapore.

“In April 2009, Singapore’s central bank said it will maintain a zero-appreciation stance to help reverse a collapse in exports.” 

Assess whether a “zero appreciation” policy might be the most appropriate in managing the harmful effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis in Singapore. [25]

Introduction

Exchange rate policy is a specific form of monetary policy in which exchange rates of a given currency are manipulated by the government to achieve certain macroeconomic objectives within the domestic economy.

Singapore adopts a managed float exchange rate system.

(RWA) The MAS allows the Singapore dollar to float within stipulated policy bands. Within these bands, exchange rate can be determined by demand and supply for the currency. If currency falls beyond the policy bands, MAS will take action to buy / sell the currency to bring the currency back to within the range. The MAS usually promotes a modest and gradual appreciation to deal with imported inflation and therefore maintain price stability.

 

Explain the harmful effects which could arise from the recent global financial crisis

1.    Fall in economic growth (due to fall in AD and NY as a result of fall in C, I and (X – M) àexplain in detail)

2.    Rise in unemployment (lower output level required results in firms scaling back on production and therefore reducing their employment of workers since less workers are now required)

 

How the above policy might be appropriate in managing the most harmful effects

A “zero appreciation” stance will be considered a loosening of monetary policy as opposed to the usual “modest and gradual appreciation” stance.

·      This can boost export competitiveness as opposed to an appreciation which can erode away export competitiveness

·      Some may argue to implement an “appreciation” policy instead during times of recession àmay not be viable due to the fact that we import most of our inputs used in the manufacturing of our exports. 

·      An appreciation itself may even bring about higher inflation, which may be undesirable for consumers during times of recession as their purchasing power will be further reduced.

·      The best compromise to deal with the harmful effects of the recession might in fact be a zero appreciation stance when it comes to exchange rate / monetary policy in Singapore.

How the above policy might not be the most appropriate

The above policy may do very little to deal with the slower growth and higher unemployment, even if it does prevent the problem from escalating. It should be complemented with other policies, which could stimulate demand and therefore increase economic growth and reduce unemployment. For example:

·      Fiscal policy (take into account small multiplier),

·      Supply side policy to improve export competitiveness (take into account time lag),

·      Government could consider offering some short-term help for firms and consumers through subsidies and one-time grants.

Conclusion

The reason why a zero appreciation policy stance is considered to be ‘most appropriate’ is because it does the least harm to the economy in view of the given set of economic circumstances. The alternatives – a depreciation or an appreciation of the exchange rate may do more harm than good. That said, a zero appreciation stance alone, will not address the harmful impacts caused by the global financial crisis. 

(RWA) During the midst of the Global Financial Crisis, Singapore was one of the first economies in the world to fully recover from the recession. This was because of a range of policies implemented, such as the Resilience package which includes the Jobs Credit Scheme, Risk-Sharing Initiative. These policies would likely have contributed towards the recovery. Thus, monetary policy alone would not have been sufficient. 


🚀 ETG June Holiday Economics Intensive

Master A Level Econs This June — in Just a Few Days

📘 Reading model essays is helpful. But writing them under exam pressure? That’s where the real challenge lies.

At Economics at Tuitiongenius (ETG) — one of Singapore’s most trusted names for JC economics tuition — we don’t just explain concepts. We teach you how to write, evaluate, and conquer the A Level exam systematically.

🎯 This June, Supercharge Your Grades with ETG’s Crash Courses

Whether you're catching up for JC1 Promos or charging ahead for JC2 Prelims and A Levels, our June Crashcourses are built for one thing: maximum improvement in minimum time.

What You’ll Get:

🧠 Content Mastery (2 & 4 June 2025)
→ 8 key Micro & Macro topics covered in 12 intensive hours
→ Attend onsite or enjoy lifetime online access

✍️ Essay & CSQ Bootcamp (9 & 10 June 2025)
→ 10 A Level essays + 8 CSQs broken down with real-time drills
→ Learn exam techniques, evaluation hacks, and common pitfalls

💥 Bundle and Save
→ Save over $1000, enjoy lifetime video access, and get all materials delivered to your doorstep

💬 “This crashcourse was exactly what I needed. I finally understood what examiners wanted — and how to give it to them.”

📍 Whether you're searching for h2 economics tuition, online economics tuition, or top economics tuition centres in Singapore — this is your moment to level up.

🔗 Register now at tuitiongenius.com/june
📲 Or WhatsApp us at 8168 3986 — we’ll help you choose the best-fit courses.

Don’t cram blindly. Learn smart. Improve fast. Let’s make your June count.