International topics

• June 19, 2008

  China's Integration into the Global Financial System

  Bank of Canada Review - Summer 2008 Paul Masson, Wendy Dobson, Robert Lafrance

  Despite having the world's largest GDP when measured in terms of purchasing-power parities, the third-largest share in world exports, and the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, China has only a minor role in the global financial system. Its banks have a modest international presence; China's currency, the renminbi, is virtually not used outside the country; and Chinese capital markets are not a significant source of financing for foreign borrowers. China's modest level of integration into the global financial system is explained by the emphasis given to domestic policy priorities. As the Chinese economy matures, and as reforms strengthen the domestic financial system, China will become more important in global financial markets. Changes are already occurring as China's financial might is being channeled towards overseas investments, and the authorities have committed to greater exchange rate flexibility. These changes will facilitate integration into the global financial system. In this article, the authors describe the current situation and speculate on the future evolution of Chinese financial institutions and markets.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Exchange rate regimes, Financial markets, International topics
• June 18, 2008

  House Prices and Consumer Spending

  Bank of Canada Review - Summer 2008 Kimberly Beaton, Sylvie Morin, Ilan Kolet

  Flood, Morin, and Kolet examine the role of house prices in household consumption decisions. Considering a group of advanced economies, the authors find that the strength of the link between house prices and consumer spending depends on the institutional features of national mortgage markets.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Domestic demand and components, International topics, Recent economic and financial developments