Exchange Rate Bands

Exchange Rate Bands

The range of exchange rates a central bank allows its currency to take. Exchange rate bands are used when one currency links its value to that of another currency but allows it to fluctuate within certain limits. Proponents maintain that exchange rate bands give a currency a certain level of flexibility so that it can respond to market factors while leaving control with the central bank. Critics contend that this system is inefficient and leads to unfair practices in international trade. The Chinese renmimbi is a prominent example of a currency that traditionally has existed within exchange rate bands. See also: Crawling peg.