Chapter 2—International Flow of Funds
1. Recently, the U.S. experienced an annual balance of trade representing a ____.
a.
large surplus (exceeding $100 billion)
b.
small surplus
c.
level of zero
d.
deficit
2. A high home inflation rate relative to other countries would ____ the home country’s current account
balance, other things equal. A high growth in the home income level relative to other countries would
____ the home country’s current account balance, other things equal.
a.
increase; increase
b.
increase; decrease
c.
decrease; decrease
d.
decrease; increase
3. If a country’s government imposes a tariff on imported goods, that country’s current account balance
will likely ____ (assuming no retaliation by other governments).
a.
decrease
b.
increase
c.
remain unaffected
d.
either A or C are possible
4. ____ purchases more U.S. exports than the other countries listed here.
a.
Italy
b.
Spain
c.
Mexico
d.
Canada
5. An increase in the current account deficit will place ____ pressure on the home currency value, other
things equal.
a.
upward
b.
downward
c.
no
d.
upward or downward (depending on the size of the deficit)
6. If the home currency begins to appreciate against other currencies, this should ____ the current
account balance, other things equal (assume that substitutes are readily available in the countries, and
that the prices charged by firms remain the same).
a.
increase
b.
have no impact on
c.
reduce
d.
all of the above are equally possible
7. The International Financial Corporation was established to:
a.
enhance development solely in Asia through grants.
b.
enhance economic development through non-subsidized loans (at market interest rates).
c.
enhance economic development through low-interest rate loans (below-market rates).
d.
enhance economic development of the private sector through investment in stock of
corporations.
8. The World Bank was established to:
a.
enhance development solely in Asia through grants.
b.
enhance economic development through non-subsidized loans (at market interest rates).
c.
enhance economic development through low-interest rate loans (below-market rates).
d.
enhance economic development of the private sector through investment in stock of
corporations.
9. The International Development Association was established to:
a.
enhance development solely in Asia through grants.
b.
enhance economic development through non-subsidized loans (at market interest rates).
c.
enhance economic development through low-interest rate loans (below-market rates).
d.
enhance economic development of the private sector through investment in stock of
corporations.
10. Which of the following would likely have the least direct influence on a country’s current account?
a.
inflation.
b.
national income.
c.
exchange rates.
d.
tariffs.
e.
a tax on income earned from foreign stocks.
11. The “J curve” effect describes:
a.
the continuous long-term inverse relationship between a country’s current account balance
and the country’s growth in gross national product.
b.
the short-run tendency for a country’s balance of trade to deteriorate even while its
currency is depreciating.
c.
the tendency for exporters to initially reduce the price of goods when their own currency
appreciates.
d.
the reaction of a country’s currency to initially depreciate after the country’s inflation rate
declines.
12. An increase in the use of quotas is expected to:
a.
reduce the country’s current account balance, if other governments do not retaliate.
b.
increase the country’s current account balance, if other governments do not retaliate.
c.
have no impact on the country’s current account balance unless other governments
retaliate.
d.
increase the volume of a country’s trade with other countries.
13. The U.S. typically has a balance of trade surplus in its trade with ____.
a.
China
b.
Japan
c.
A and B
d.
none of the above
14. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) increased restrictions on:
a.
trade between Canada and Mexico.
b.
trade between Canada and the U.S.
c.
direct foreign investment in Mexico by U.S. firms.
d.
none of the above.
15. According to the text, international trade (exports plus imports combined) as a percentage of GDP is:
a.
higher in the U.S. than in European countries.
b.
lower in the U.S. than in European countries.
c.
higher in the U.S. than in about half the European countries, and lower in the U.S. than the
others.
d.
about the same in the U.S. as in European countries.
16. The direct foreign investment positions by U.S. firms have generally ____ over time. Restrictions by
governments on direct foreign investment have generally ___ over time.
a.
increased; increased
b.
increased; decreased
c.
decreased; decreased
d.
decreased; increased
17. Which of the following countries purchases the largest amount of exports by U.S. firms?
a.
Mexico
b.
Japan
c.
Canada
d.
France
18. The primary component of the current account is the:
a.
balance of trade.
b.
balance of money market flows.
c.
balance of capital market flows.
d.
unilateral transfers.
19. As a result of the European Union, restrictions on exports between ____ were reduced or eliminated.
a.
member countries and the U.S.
b.
member countries
c.
member countries and European non-members
d.
none of the above
20. Over the last several years, international trade has generally:
a.
increased for most major countries.
b.
decreased for most major countries.
c.
stayed about constant for most major countries.
d.
increased for about half the major countries and decreased for the others.
21. Which is not a concern about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
a.
its impact on U.S. inflation.
b.
its impact on U.S. unemployment.
c.
lower environmental standards in Mexico.
d.
different health laws for workers in Mexico.
22. A General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) accord in 1993 called for:
a.
increased trade restrictions outside of North America.
b.
lower trade restrictions around the world.
c.
uniform environmental standards around the world.
d.
uniform worker health laws.
23. Which of the following is mentioned in the text as a possible means by which the government may
attempt to improve its balance of trade position (increase its exports or reduce its imports).
a.
It could attempt to reduce its home currency’s value.
b.
The government could require firms to engage in outsourcing.
c.
The government could require that its local firms pursue outsourcing.
d.
All of the above are mentioned.
24. The demand for U.S. exports tends to increase when:
a.
economic growth in foreign countries decreases.
b.
the currencies of foreign countries strengthen against the dollar.
c.
U.S. inflation rises.
d.
none of the above.
25. “Dumping” is used in the text to represent the:
a.
exporting of goods that do not meet quality standards.
b.
sales of junk bonds to foreign countries.
c.
removal of foreign subsidiaries by the host government.
d.
exporting of goods at prices below cost.
26. ____ is (are) income received by investors on foreign investments in financial assets (securities).
a.
Portfolio income
b.
Direct foreign income
c.
Unilateral transfers
d.
Factor income
27. A weak home currency may not be a perfect solution to correct a balance of trade deficit because:
a.
it reduces the prices of imports paid by local companies.
b.
it increases the prices of exports by local companies.
c.
it prevents international trade transactions from being prearranged.
d.
foreign companies may reduce the prices of their products to stay competitive.
28. Intracompany trade makes up approximately ____ percent of all international trade.
a.
50
b.
70
c.
25
d.
13
e.
5
29. Like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the ____ is composed of a collection of nations as
members. However, unlike the IMF, it uses the private rather than the government sector to achieve its
objectives.
a.
World Bank
b.
International Financial Corporation (IFC)
c.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
d.
International Development Association (IDA)
e.
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
30. The World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA):
a.
offers various forms of export insurance.
b.
offers various forms of import insurance.
c.
offers various forms of exchange rate risk insurance.
d.
provides loans to developing countries.
e.
offers various forms of political risk insurance.
31. Also known as the “central banks’ central bank,” the ____ attempts to facilitate cooperation among
countries with regard to international transactions and provides assistance to countries experiencing a
financial crisis.
a.
World Bank
b.
International Financial Corporation (IFC)
c.
World Trade Organization
d.
International Development Association (IDA)
e.
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
32. Direct foreign investment into the U.S. represents a ____.
a.
capital inflow
b.
trade inflow
c.
capital outflow
d.
trade outflow
33. A balance of trade surplus indicates an excess of imports over exports.
a. True
b. False
34. A weakening of the U.S. dollar with respect to the British pound would likely reduce the U.S. exports
to Britain and increase U.S. imports from Britain over time.
a. True
b. False
35. The World Bank extends loans only to developed nations, while the International Development
Association (IDA) extends loans only to developing nations.
a. True
b. False
36. The World Bank frequently enters into cofinancing agreements. Under these agreements, financing is
provided by the World Bank and/or official aid agencies, export credit agencies, or commercial banks.
a. True
b. False
37. The balance of payments is a measurement of all transactions between domestic and foreign residents
over a specified period of time.
a. True
b. False
38. Changes in country ownership of long-term and short-term assets are measured in the balance of
payments with the capital account.
a. True
b. False
39. Portfolio investment represents transactions involving long-term financial assets (such as stocks and
bonds) between countries that do not affect the transfer of control.
a. True
b. False
40. The current account represents the investment in fixed assets in foreign countries that can be used to
conduct business operations.
a. True
b. False
41. Exporting of products by one country to other countries at prices below cost is called elasticity.
a. True
b. False
42. Direct foreign investment by U.S.-based MNCs occurs primarily in the Bahamas and Brazil.
a. True
b. False
43. The J curve effect is the initial worsening of the U.S. trade balance due to a weakening dollar because
of established trade relationships that are not easily changed; as the dollar weakens, the dollar value of
imports initially rises before the U.S. trade balance is improved.
a. True
b. False
44. Portfolio investments represent transactions involving long-term financial assets (such as stocks and
bonds) between countries that do not affect the transfer of control.
a. True
b. False
45. Intracompany trade represents the exporting of products by one country to other countries below cost.
a. True
b. False
46. A tariff is a maximum limit on imports.
a. True
b. False
47. A country’s net outflow of funds ____ affect its interest rates, and ____ affect its economic conditions.
a.
does; does
b.
does; does not
c.
does not; does not
d.
does not; does
48. The sale of patent rights by a U.S. firm to a Russian firm reflects a credit to the U.S. balance of
payments account.
a. True
b. False
49. A U.S. purchase of patent rights from a firm in Mexico reflects a credit to the U.S. balance of
payments account.
a. True
b. False
50. Regarding the U.S. balance of payments, capital account items are relatively minor compared to the
financial account items.
a. True
b. False
51. In recent years, the U.S. has had a relatively (compared to other countries) ____ balance of trade ____
with China.
a.
small; surplus
b.
large; surplus
c.
small; deficit
d.
large; deficit
52. The Central American Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is intended to raise tariffs and regulations between
the U.S., the Dominican Republic, and Central American countries.
a. True
b. False
53. U.S. government officials would likely prefer that China devalue the yuan against the dollar.
a. True
b. False
54. Assume that some U.S. firms will purchase supplies from either China or from U.S. firms. If the
Chinese yuan appreciates against the dollar, it should reduce the U.S. balance of trade deficit with
China.
a. True
b. False
55. Assume the U.S. has a balance of trade surplus with the country of Thor. When individuals in Thor
manufacture CDs and DVDs that look almost exactly like the original product produced in the U.S.
and other countries, they ____ the U.S. balance of trade surplus with Thor. This activity is called ____.
a.
reduce; flipping
b.
reduce; pirating
c.
increase; pirating
d.
increase; flipping
56. Japan’s annual interest rate has been relatively ____ compared to other countries for several years,
because the supply of funds in its credit market has been very ____.
a.
low; small
b.
high; small
c.
low; large
d.
high; large
57. Without the international capital flows, there would be ____ funding available in the U.S. across all
risk levels, and the cost of funding would be ____ regardless of the firm’s risk level.
a.
more; lower
b.
more; higher
c.
less; lower
d.
less; higher
58. The primary component of the capital account is the balance of trade.
a. True
b. False
59. A balance of trade surplus indicates an excess of merchandise imports over merchandise exports.
a. True
b. False
60. An American tourist visiting Germany and spending money there (for lodging, food, etc.) will reduce
the U.S. current account deficit and reduce Germany’s current account balance.
a. True
b. False
61. A balance of trade deficit indicates an excess of imports over exports.
a. True
b. False
62. The capital account reflects changes in country ownership of long-term (but not short-term) assets.
a. True
b. False
63. Outsourcing allows some MNCs to reduce costs but shifts jobs to other countries.
a. True
b. False
64. A weakening of the U.S. dollar with respect to the British pound would likely reduce U.S. exports to
the U.K. and increase U.S. imports from the U.K.
a. True
b. False
65. The World Bank extends loans only to developed nations, while the International Development
Association (IDA) extends loans only to developing nations.
a. True
b. False
66. The ____ is the difference between exports and imports.
a.
balance of trade
b.
balance on goods and services
c.
balance of payments
d.
current account
e.
capital account
67. Which of the following will probably not result in an increase in a country’s current account balance
(assuming everything else constant)?
a.
A decrease in the country’s rate of inflation
b.
A decrease in the country’s national income level
c.
An increase in government restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas
d.
An appreciation of the country’s currency
e.
All of the above will result in an increased current account balance.
68. Which of the following factors probably does not directly affect a country’s capital account and its
components?
a.
Inflation
b.
Interest rates
c.
Withholding taxes on foreign income
d.
Exchange rate movements
e.
All of the above will directly affect a country’s capital account.
69. The ____, an accord among 117 nations, called for lower tariffs around the world.
a.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
b.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
c.
Single European Act of 1987
d.
European Union Accord
e.
None of the above
70. Which of the following is not likely to represent a strategy by the government of Country X to reduce
its balance of trade deficit with Country Y?
a.
The government of Country X eliminates environmental restrictions.
b.
The government of Country X subsidizes firms in its country to facilitate dumping.
c.
The government of Country X provides tax breaks to firms in specific industries.
d.
The government of Country X removes a tariff on goods imported from Country Y.
71. Which of the following statements is not true?
a.
Exporters commonly complain that they are being mistreated because the currency of their
country is too weak.
b.
Outsourcing affects the balance of trade because it means that a service is purchased in
another country.
c.
Sometimes, trade policies are used to punish countries for various actions.
d.
Tariffs imposed by the EU have caused some friction between EU countries that
commonly import products and other EU countries.
e.
All of the above are true.
72. Which of the following would increase the current account of Country X? Country Y is Country X’s
sole trading partner.
a.
Inflation increases in countries X and Y by comparable amounts.
b.
Country X’s and Country Y’s currencies depreciate by the same amount.
c.
Country X imposes tariffs on imports from Country Y, and Country Y retaliates by
imposing an identical tax on X‘s exports.
d.
The central banks of Country X and Country Y reduce the money supply to increase
interest rates.
e.
Country X imposes a quota on imports, and Country Y retaliates by imposing an identical
quota on X’s exports.
73. ____ represent aid, grants, and gifts from one country to another.
a.
Transfer payments
b.
Factor income
c.
The balance of trade
d.
The balance of payments
e.
The capital account
74. Which of the following is not a goal of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
a.
To promote cooperation among countries on international monetary issues
b.
To promote stability in exchange rates
c.
To enhance a country’s long-term economic growth via the extension of structural
adjustment loans
d.
To promote free trade
e.
To promote free mobility of capital funds across countries
75. According to the “J curve effect,” a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to its trading partners’
currencies would result in an initial ____ in the current account balance, followed by a subsequent
____ in the current account balance.
a.
decrease; increase
b.
increase; decrease
c.
decrease; decrease
d.
increase; increase