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ConclusionsAppendixes; Appendix A Data; Appendix B Sample; Appendix C Statistical Tests; 7 Systemic Sudden Stops: The Relevance of Balance-Sheet Effects and Financial Integration; Basic Framework; Sudden Stops: Definition and Characterization; Determinants of Sudden Stops: Empirical Analysis; Conclusions; Appendix Tables; Data Appendix; Technical Appendix: Inference with RandomEffects Probits under Endogeneity; Notes; References; Index

The paper examines the robustness of Interest Rate Rules, IRRs, in the context of an imperfectly credible stabilization program, closely following the format of much of the literature in open-economy models, e.g., Calvo and Végh (1993 and 1999). A basic result is that IRRs, like Exchange Rate Based Stabilization, ERBS, programs, could give rise to macroeconomic distortion, e.g., underutilization of capacity and real exchange rate misalignment. However, while under imperfect credibility EBRS is associated with overheating and current account deficits, IRRs give rise to somewhat opposite results. Moreover, the paper shows that popular policies to counteract misalignment, like Strategic Foreign Exchange Market Intervention or Controls on International Capital Mobility may not be effective or could even become counterproductive. The bottom line is that the greater exchange rate flexibility granted by IRRs is by far not a sure shot against the macroeconomic costs infringed by imperfect credibility.