Macro-Hedging for Commodity Exporters

Abstract:     
This paper uses a dynamic optimization model to estimate the welfare gains of hedging against commodity price risk for commodity-exporting countries. The introduction of hedging instruments such as futures and options enhances domestic welfare through two channels. First, by reducing export income volatility and allowing for a smoother consumption path. Second, by reducing the country's need to hold foreign assets as precautionary savings (or by improving the country's ability to borrow against future export income). Under plausibly calibrated parameters, the second channel may lead to much larger welfare gains, amounting to several percentage points of annual consumption.

Keywords: Commodities, Commodity price fluctuations, Cross country analysis, Developing countries, Economic models, Export earnings, Export markets, Financial instruments, Financial risk, Hedge funds, International trade, Risk management

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