Responding to the global financial crisis: Vietnamese exchange rate policy, 2008-2009

The paper presents an analysis of exchange rate policy in Vietnam during 2008-2009. In early 2008, the country faced a sudden reversal of capital flows as signs of developing domestic vulnerabilities became evident. The downward pressure on the dong then intensified with the onset of the global financial crisis in the fall. In these environments, the Vietnamese authorities responded with various exchange rate policy measures. The paper documents a shift in Vietnam's de facto exchange rate regime, from a basket peg to a simple US dollar peg, when the domestic vulnerabilities became compounded by the evolving global crisis. The authorities utilized additional measures to relieve pressure on the parallel exchange rate. An event study methodology finds little evidence of systematic effectiveness for these policy actions; any effectiveness was short-lived. A close examination of individual actions suggests that the impact of foreign exchange market intervention appeared more consistent than any other type of measure and most effective when combined with other measures.

► We analyze Vietnamese exchange rate policy during 2008-2009. ► The de facto regime shifted from a basket peg to a US dollar peg in June 2008. ► Policy measures had little systematic effectiveness in reducing downward pressure. ► Intervention appeared most effective, though any impact was short-lived. ► Policy measures appeared more effective when combined.