Wednesday, July 19

Fundamentals of Money and Banking (1414) - Spring 2023 - Assignment 1

Fundamentals of Money and Banking (1414)

Q.1.     How many types of banks exist in Pakistan? Give a very brief resume of each type?  

In Pakistan, there are several types of banks catering to different financial needs and functions. Here is a brief summary of each type:

1. Commercial Banks: Commercial banks are the most common type of banks in Pakistan. They provide a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. These services include deposit accounts, loans, credit cards, foreign exchange, and investment options. Commercial banks play a crucial role in facilitating economic activities and financial transactions.

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2. Islamic Banks: Islamic banks operate in compliance with Islamic principles and are governed by Shariah law. They offer products and services that are free from interest (riba) and adhere to ethical guidelines. Islamic banks provide profit-sharing arrangements, Islamic savings accounts, Islamic financing options such as Murabaha (cost-plus financing) and Ijarah (leasing), among others.

3. Development Banks: Development banks in Pakistan are primarily focused on providing financial support for industrial and developmental projects. They aim to stimulate economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and address specific sectors or regions that require development. Development banks offer long-term loans, equity financing, and technical assistance to help businesses and industries flourish.

4. Microfinance Banks: Microfinance banks specialize in providing financial services to low-income individuals, micro-entrepreneurs, and small businesses. They offer small loans, savings accounts, and micro-insurance products to promote financial inclusion and alleviate poverty. Microfinance banks often target marginalized communities and individuals who have limited access to traditional banking services.

5. Agricultural Development Banks: Agricultural development banks focus on the agricultural sector by providing loans, credit, and technical support to farmers, agricultural businesses, and rural communities. These banks play a vital role in supporting agricultural activities, enhancing productivity, and boosting rural development.

6. Investment Banks: Investment banks primarily deal with investment-related activities, such as underwriting securities, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and providing advisory services for corporate clients. They assist companies in raising capital through issuing stocks and bonds, and they also engage in trading and brokerage activities in the financial markets.

7. Foreign Banks: Foreign banks in Pakistan are branches or subsidiaries of international banks operating in the country. They offer a range of banking services, including corporate banking, trade finance, foreign exchange, and retail banking. Foreign banks contribute to the economy by facilitating international transactions and attracting foreign investment.

8. Postal Savings Banks: Pakistan Post operates postal savings banks to provide accessible banking services to people across the country. These banks offer savings accounts, remittance services, and small loans, primarily targeting individuals in remote areas or those who prefer utilizing postal services for their banking needs.

It's important to note that this is a general overview, and there may be additional specialized types of banks or variations within each category in Pakistan.

 

Q.2.     Define devaluation and inflation. What are main effects of inflation in Pakistan?      

Devaluation:

Devaluation refers to a deliberate downward adjustment in the value of a country's currency relative to other currencies in the foreign exchange market. It is typically carried out by a country's central bank or monetary authority. Devaluation can occur due to various reasons, such as an attempt to boost exports, reduce trade imbalances, or address economic challenges. When a currency is devalued, its exchange rate decreases, meaning that it takes more units of the domestic currency to buy a unit of foreign currency.

Inflation:

Inflation is the sustained increase in the general level of prices for goods and services in an economy over a period of time. It erodes the purchasing power of money, as each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Inflation can occur due to factors such as increased demand, rising production costs, or excessive money supply. It is typically measured using an inflation rate, which indicates the percentage change in prices over a specific period.

Main Effects of Inflation in Pakistan:

Inflation can have several effects on an economy, including the following effects observed in Pakistan:

1. Reduced Purchasing Power: Inflation erodes the value of money, reducing people's purchasing power. This means that individuals and households need to spend more money to buy the same amount of goods and services, leading to a decrease in their standard of living.

2. Impact on Fixed-Income Groups: Inflation disproportionately affects fixed-income groups, such as low-income earners and retirees, as their incomes may not increase at the same rate as prices. This can result in a decline in their real incomes and financial hardship.

3. Uncertainty and Reduced Investment: High inflation rates can create uncertainty in the economy, making it challenging for businesses and investors to plan for the future. This uncertainty can discourage investment and economic growth, as businesses may delay expansion or investment decisions due to the unstable economic conditions.

4. Redistribution of Wealth: Inflation can lead to a redistribution of wealth within the economy. Those with assets that appreciate in value during inflation, such as real estate or stocks, may benefit. However, individuals with fixed incomes, savings, or cash holdings may experience a decrease in their real wealth.

5. Increased Cost of Borrowing: Inflation can lead to higher interest rates, making borrowing more expensive. This can impact businesses and individuals who rely on loans for investments or consumption, potentially limiting economic growth and dampening consumer spending.

6. Impact on International Trade: Inflation can affect a country's competitiveness in international trade. If the inflation rate in Pakistan is significantly higher than that of its trading partners, it can result in a decrease in exports and an increase in imports, leading to trade imbalances.

To manage inflation and mitigate its negative effects, the government and central bank of Pakistan implement various monetary and fiscal policies, including adjusting interest rates, controlling money supply, and implementing price stabilization measures.

 

Q.3.     Define money and also explain the Friedman’s Modern Quantity Theory of Money.    

Money:

Money is a widely accepted medium of exchange that serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a medium for deferred payment. It is a system of tokens or notes that represent value and enable transactions within an economy. Money can take different forms, including physical currency (coins and banknotes) and digital representations (electronic or virtual money).

Friedman's Modern Quantity Theory of Money:

The Modern Quantity Theory of Money, also known as the Monetarist Theory, was developed by economist Milton Friedman. It is an extension of the classical quantity theory of money, which posits a direct relationship between the money supply and the price level in an economy. Friedman's theory emphasizes the importance of changes in the money supply as a primary driver of inflation and economic fluctuations.

Key elements of Friedman's theory include:

1. Quantity Theory Equation: Friedman's theory is based on the equation of exchange, which states that MV = PT, where M represents the money supply, V represents the velocity of money (the rate at which money circulates), P represents the price level, and T represents the volume of transactions in the economy. According to Friedman, changes in M directly influence changes in P.

2. Long-Run Relationship: Friedman argued that in the long run, changes in the money supply primarily affect the price level rather than output or employment. He believed that changes in the money supply have a proportional effect on prices, indicating a stable long-run relationship between money and inflation.

3. Neutral Money: Friedman asserted that money is neutral in the long run, meaning that changes in the money supply do not impact real variables such as output or employment. In the long run, changes in the money supply only affect nominal variables like prices.

4. Monetary Policy: Friedman advocated for a stable and predictable growth rate of the money supply to avoid erratic fluctuations in the economy. He recommended that central banks adopt a rule-based approach to monetary policy, with a focus on controlling the growth rate of the money supply to promote price stability.

5. Critique of Fiscal Policy: Friedman was critical of the use of discretionary fiscal policy to manage the economy. He argued that monetary policy, through controlling the money supply, is a more effective tool to stabilize the economy and control inflation.

Friedman's Modern Quantity Theory of Money has influenced the field of economics and monetary policy discussions, emphasizing the role of the money supply in determining inflation and the importance of stable monetary growth for economic stability. However, it has also faced criticism and alternative theories have been developed to explain the complex relationship between money, prices, and the broader economy.

 

Q.4.     Discuss in brief the main advantageous of a letter of credit to the:          

i. Commercial bank

ii. The importer

iii. The exporter       

The main advantages of a letter of credit (LC) vary for different parties involved in the transaction. Let's discuss the advantages for each party:

i. Commercial Bank:

a. Risk Mitigation: The letter of credit provides a guarantee of payment to the exporter by the issuing bank. This mitigates the risk for the bank as it ensures that the exporter will receive payment as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of the LC.

b. Commission and Fees: Banks earn commissions and fees for providing letter of credit services. This adds to their revenue stream and enhances their profitability.

c. Trade Facilitation: By offering letter of credit services, banks facilitate international trade transactions, which strengthens their relationship with customers and enhances their reputation as reliable financial institutions.

ii. The Importer:

a. Payment Security: The LC provides a secure method of payment for the importer. It ensures that the payment will only be made to the exporter once the required documents are presented and the terms of the LC are fulfilled. This reduces the risk of non-payment or fraud.

b. Improved Negotiating Power: An LC gives the importer more negotiating power as they can specify the terms and conditions that must be met by the exporter before payment is made. This allows the importer to ensure that goods or services meet their requirements before releasing payment.

c. Flexibility in Payment: Depending on the terms agreed upon, an LC can offer flexibility in payment options. For example, an LC may allow for deferred payment or installment payments, which can help the importer manage cash flow.

iii. The Exporter:

a. Payment Assurance: The letter of credit provides the exporter with a guarantee of payment from the issuing bank as long as the required documents are presented correctly. This minimizes the risk of non-payment or payment delays.

b. Reduced Credit Risk: The exporter's credit risk is shifted from the importer to the issuing bank. The exporter can have confidence in receiving payment as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of the LC, regardless of the financial position of the importer.

c. Access to Financing: The exporter can use the LC as collateral to obtain financing from their bank. Banks are more willing to provide loans or advances against a confirmed letter of credit, giving the exporter access to working capital for production and fulfilling the order.

d. International Trade Expansion: Accepting LCs allows the exporter to participate in international trade with buyers who may have a preference or requirement for using this payment method. It helps the exporter expand their market reach and establish new business relationships.

Overall, a letter of credit provides advantages such as payment security, risk mitigation, negotiation power, and financial facilitation for commercial banks, importers, and exporters, making it a widely used and trusted instrument in international trade.                

 

Q.5.     What do you mean by the term “System of Money” ? What are the essential features that a monetary system should have before it can be looked upon as satisfactory?                                                                                                                                               The term "System of Money" refers to the complete framework and infrastructure that governs the creation, circulation, and regulation of money within an economy. It encompasses various elements, including currency, banking systems, central banks, monetary policies, and financial institutions, all working together to facilitate the functioning of the economy.

Essential Features of a Satisfactory Monetary System:

For a monetary system to be considered satisfactory, it should possess certain key features. These features ensure the stability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the system. Here are the essential features:

1. Stability: A satisfactory monetary system should aim to maintain price stability and avoid excessive inflation or deflation. Stability helps businesses and individuals make reliable financial decisions, fosters confidence in the currency, and supports sustainable economic growth.

2. Trust and Confidence: The monetary system should inspire trust and confidence among the public and economic participants. This requires a transparent and well-regulated system that safeguards against fraud, counterfeiting, and other illicit activities.

3. Liquidity: The monetary system should ensure the availability of an adequate supply of money to facilitate smooth transactions and meet the needs of the economy. It should strike a balance between preventing excessive money creation that can lead to inflation and ensuring sufficient liquidity to support economic activity.

4. Convertibility: A satisfactory monetary system allows for the convertibility of the currency, enabling it to be exchanged for other currencies or assets as needed. Convertibility promotes international trade and investment, facilitating economic integration and financial flows.

5. Monetary Policy Framework: The monetary system should have a well-defined and credible monetary policy framework. This includes a central bank responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policies to achieve macroeconomic objectives such as price stability, full employment, and sustainable growth.

6. Regulatory Framework: A satisfactory monetary system requires an effective regulatory framework to oversee financial institutions, including banks, to ensure their soundness and stability. This includes prudential regulations, capital requirements, and risk management standards to protect depositors and maintain the integrity of the financial system.

7. Payment System Efficiency: The monetary system should have an efficient payment infrastructure that enables fast, secure, and cost-effective transfer of funds. This includes electronic payment systems, clearinghouses, and settlement mechanisms that facilitate smooth transactions between individuals, businesses, and financial institutions.

8. Financial Inclusion: A satisfactory monetary system should strive for financial inclusion, ensuring that individuals and businesses have access to basic banking services, such as savings accounts, payment systems, and credit facilities. Financial inclusion promotes economic empowerment and reduces disparities within society.

9. Flexibility and Adaptability: The monetary system should be flexible and adaptable to changing economic conditions, technological advancements, and evolving financial needs. It should be able to respond to economic shocks and effectively address emerging challenges.

By incorporating these essential features, a monetary system can provide a stable and efficient foundation for economic activity, supporting growth, investment, and overall economic well-being.                 

Dear Student,

Ye sample assignment h. Ye bilkul copy paste h jo dusre student k pass b available h. Agr ap ne university assignment send krni h to UNIQUE assignment hasil krne k lye ham c contact kren:

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