Abstract
This paper applies a common factors
analysis framework to an exchange rate data panel, in order to better
understand the forces behind exchange rate dynamics and provide a set of
variables for exchange rate forecasting. Results demonstrate the model’s ability
to extract key information to under-stand the driving forces of exchange rate
movements using the exchange rate Brazilian Real to U.S. dollar; in addition,
the model also shows statistically significant improvement in terms of
forecasting performance in relation to the random walk benchmark as well as to
traditional macroeconomic models found in economics literature.
JEL classification numbers: F31, F37, F47.
Keywords: Exchange rate,
Common factors, Forecasting.