Floating Exchange Rates in an Interdependent World: No Simple Solutions to the Problems

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the role of government policy in determining exchange rates and the role of floating exchange rates in an interdependent world economy. The analysis was focused on: (1) the process of exchange rate determination, particularly the yen-dollar rate and the role of Japanese Government actions; (2) the constraints that international economic interdependence impose on economic policy; and (3) alternatives to the floating exchange rate system.