International Journal of Economics and Financial Research

Online ISSN: 2411-9407
Print ISSN: 2413-8533

Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)





Archives

Volume 1 Number 6 September 2015

Nonlinear Effect of Exchange Rates on Trade Balance: A Recommendation for Emerging Countries? Exchange Rate Policy


Authors: Mon-Li Lin ; Tze-Wei Fu
Pages: 90-96
Abstract
Purpose: Considering the mixed results of previous empirical studies with regard to how the real exchange rates affect bilateral trade balance, this study intends to test the presence of not only the nonlinear relationship but also the J-curve effect and Korea data from January 1985 through December 2013 is adopted. The findings are helpful for emerging countries to evaluate their exchange policy. Methodology: Unit root test, cointegration analysis and Vector Autoregressive Error Correction Model are adopted in this study. Findings: The results indicate that there is a co-integration relationship between real exchange rates and bilateral trade balance in both linear and nonlinear models and Korea-U.S. bilateral trade balance exhibited no J-curve effect when the Korean won depreciated against U.S. dollar. A performance evaluation proves nonlinear model is better than linear model. Recommendation: The findings help us to realize that depreciation has a limited effect on promoting trade balance. Sharp currency depreciation will hurt country’s trade balance.

Operationability of Mobile Banking in Nigeria: An Evidence from Ebonyi State


Authors: Basil Uche Onwe
Pages: 85-89
Abstract
It is evident that financial services industry has been undergoing a profound transformation in Nigeria. Rapid changes in the banking environment, increased competition by new players from non-banking sector, product innovations, globalization and technological advancement-all these have led to a market situation in which the battle for consumers is intense. We look at the prospect and challenges of mobile banking services in Nigeria using four selected’ banks as case study, reviewed prior literatures on mobile banking, analyze the different factors that impact the market, and give direction for future research on this emerging field. A framework of four contingency and five competitive factors were proposed to facilitate the analysis.   Factors affecting mobile services in Nigeria such interoperability, unstable power supply, network problems etc. were identified.  Finally, we recommended that non–bank led model of mobile banking be adopted by Nigeria banks to make the services transformational instead of additives as is currently being practiced.