IMF CALLS ZIMBABWE'S SWITCH TO A GOLD-BACKED CURRENCY AN "IMPORTANT" STEP (Pindula)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomed Zimbabwe’s introduction of a new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, as an important step.
In an emailed response to Bloomberg questions, a spokesperson… pic.twitter.com/plfEbNZa1u
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Zimbabwe recently rolled out a new gold-backed currency called the ZiG, or Zimbabwe Gold. This move aims to address the currency instability and hyperinflation that has plagued the country for decades. Here are some key points about the ZiG:
- Background:
- The ZiG was introduced in April 2024 as Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt at a stable local currency in 15 years.
- It replaces the Zimbabwean dollar, which had significantly depreciated against the US dollar earlier in the year.
- The ZiG is backed by 2.5 tons of gold and $100 million in foreign exchange reserves held at the central bank.
- Purpose and Goals:
- Zimbabwe’s central bank aims to “recalibrate its monetary policy framework” by introducing the ZiG.
- The goal is to re-anchor price and exchange rate stability and boost confidence in the local currency.
- Having a stable currency is crucial for economic recovery in Zimbabwe, given the country’s macroeconomic volatility and exchange rate distortions.
- Stability and Confidence:
- The ZiG is backed by hard assets, including foreign currencies, gold, and other precious metals.
- In the past, Zimbabwe faced hyperinflation, leading to the abandonment of its previous national currency (the Zimbabwe dollar) in 2009.
- The success of the ZiG will depend on gaining public confidence and establishing stability, allowing officials to regain control over monetary policy3.
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