Transparency versus constructive ambiguity in foreign exchange intervention

Based on a survey of 10 central banks and a review of existing literature, this paper examines the choice between transparency versus ambiguity in central banks' foreign exchange intervention. Three case studies - Canada, Hong Kong SAR and Japan - are presented to highlight the problems facing central banks in this choice, and the changes that have been made to cope with those challenges.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the BIS.