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These are the best new articles, videos, podcasts, and other resources we have found to teach exchange rates. They bring economics to life by showing students real-life examples and current events.
 

News Articles

(Listed from most recent to oldest)

Oslo struggles to solve ‘mystery’ of Norwegian krone’s decline |  Financial Times (Aug. 15, 2024)
The Norwegian krone has remained unexpectedly weak, driving up the cost of imports and prompting a proposal to peg the krone to the euro. Did you know? Teachers can get free access to the Financial Times by registering here.

A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer | CNN (June 8, 2024)
our dollar is buying you less than it used to for a European summer getaway.

The limits of yen intervention | Financial Times (May 15, 2024)
Efforts to prop up the value of the yen have been expensive and are already unraveling. Did you know? Teachers can get free access to the Financial Times by registering here.

Currency Angst Goes Global as Strong Dollar Vexes Officials | BNN Bloomberg (April 3, 2024)
A stronger-than-expected US dollar is increasing inflation in countries abroad and prompting some central banks to consider taking actions to support their currencies.

Egypt floats its currency and agrees with the IMF to increase a bailout loan to $8 billion | AP News (March 6, 2024)
The Egyptian pound dropped 60% compared to the dollar after Egypt announced the move to float its exchange rate and Egypt’s central bank raised its key interest rate to 27.75%.

Africa's largest economy is battling a currency crisis and soaring inflation | CNBC (Feb. 21, 2023)
The naira is down 70% since May 2023, when current President Tinubu took office and moved to allow markets to set the naira’s exchange rate. The weakened exchange rate is exacerbating Nigeria’s inflation problem, due to its reliance on imports.

America's favorite weight loss drugs are impacting Denmark's currency and interest rates | Markets Insider (Aug. 18, 2023)
Growing demand for Novo Nordisk’s products are strengthening the Danish kroner, and prompting the central bank to lower interest rates to keep par with the Euro.

As economy worsens, Lebanese juggle dizzying rates for devalued pound | Reuters (March 19, 2023)
Varying exchange rates are making daily purchases and business operations difficult in Lebanon.

I just traveled to Argentina — and doubled my money with a 'black market' exchange rate | CNBC (March 11, 2023)
Using Western Union to wire yourself money can get tourists approximately the same exchange rate as the black market.

Our Big Mac index shows how burger prices are changing | The Economist (Jan 26, 2023)
In 1986, the Economist invented the Big Mac index to compare exchange rates. It’s still around.

The countries that pay the most and least for LEGO | The Toy Zone (December 8, 2022)
There is a 744% difference in the average price of LEGO between the most and least expensive markets. Exchange rate variations and import costs play a role. Can you guess where you can buy the cheapest and the most expensive LEGO?

It could be time to buy your vacation home in Italy. A strong US dollar is pushing Americans to snap up real estate in Europe | Business Insider (September 1, 2022)
What would you do if your purchasing power in Europe increases? Think fast because this is already happening. In July 2022, the US dollar and the euro achieved parity for the first time in 20 years. The dollar is currently strong abroad, the value of the euro is plummeting, and the exchange rate is high, so Americans are taking advantage.

Graphics

Mapped: The Price of Starbucks by Country | Visual Capitalist

Videos

Currency exchange rates and you | Maryland Smith Business School
Simple explainer video on currency exchange rates.

Real Exchange Rates | MRU
A short introduction to real exchange rates.

Real and Nominal Exchange Rates | MRU
This video provides an overview of the difference between real and nominal exchange rates.

Podcasts

The cost of a dollar in Ukraine | NPR
Ukraine's central bank fixed the exchange rate to prevent a currency run at the beginning of the war. But as the war has continued, the value of the Ukrainian hryvnia has declined, demand for foreign currency has increased, and restrictions on currency exchange have all contributed to the rise of a black market currency exchange, which one Ukrainian is using in her favor to distribute more medicine.

The dollar’s strong right now. That’s a problem for American companies doing business abroad. | Marketplace
The U.S. dollar has been becoming stronger as the Fed has been increasing interest rates. Is this good or bad news for American consumers who buy foreign products? What about American businesses that sell products abroad? How can one explain the decline in the profits of Microsoft and Salesforce?

Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange problem | The Indicator
The Indicator details Sri Lanka’s foreign reserve woes. Good starting point for understanding international capital flows.

Like The Empire Itself, The British Pound Is Not What It Used To Be | NPR 
Britain refused to switch to the euro in the 1990s because the pound is a part of the British culture. However, the podcast explains how the British national currency has been gradually losing its power and value.

What’s the deal with the U.S. dollar? | Marketplace
At the time the article was written, the dollar was worth more than other currencies. However, is a strong dollar beneficial for American exporters? What would happen to exports abroad if the market pushes the dollar down or if the Fed lowers the interest rates?

How Venezuela's Economy Collapsed And Led To Political Unrest | NPR 
Use Venezuela as an example of why fixing an exchange rate can have tragic consequences.

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