 CAD + C and F account = 0 - $68b + $68b = 0 This occurs because Australia has a flexible exchange rate. For every debit transaction there is an equal credit transaction in FOREX markets. Economists say that the C and F account finances the CAD.

CAD Sell AUD – supply of AUD on FOREX Interest paid to foreign investors Foreigners buy AUD to invest in Aust- C & F account Foreign Debt surplus increases

CAD Sell AUD- supply of AUD on FOREX market Foreigners buy AUD to invest in Aust. C & F account surplus- credit transaction Foreign debt increases Interest paid to foreign investors is recorded as an income debit in CAD

 Therefore a significant reason for Australia’s CAD is the foreign debt- interest is paid to foreign lenders through the current account. As more money is borrowed more is repaid in interest each year. Borrowing today adds to future CADs.

Net Foreign Debt Net Foreign Equity Net Foreign Liabilities

 Can you find Net Foreign Debt statistics for Australia?

 A currency depreciation can increase NFL and an appreciation can decrease NFL. This is called the valuation effect.  Debt sustainability- this is Australia’s ability to repay interest on FD. Australian firms have generally been able to pay interest although the interest bill continues to grow each year. Aust still has a good credit rating despite its FD levels being high- this is because FD is private sector not public sector

 Debt Servicing Ratio- measures the % of export revenue used to repay interest overseas. It is currently around 11% but has been over 20% in the past. This indicates that export growth has been strong and global interest rates have fallen.