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How Interest Rates Shape Currency Value: Exchange Rates Explained

Geoff Riley

10th March 2025

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Why do interest rates impact currency value? And how do central banks influence exchange rates? Whether you're studying for your A-Level, IB, or GCSE Economics exams, this video will break down the key concepts you need to know!

How Interest Rates Shape Currency Value: Exchange Rates Explained

In this session, Geoff Riley, Co-Founder of Tutor2u, explains:

✅ Why do higher interest rates strengthen a currency?

✅ Why do lower interest rates weaken a currency?

✅ How do investors respond to interest rate changes?

✅ What is the ‘carry trade’ and why does it impact global currency markets?

✅ Short-term vs. long-term effects of interest rate policy on exchange rates

💡 Key examples included! Learn how Japan’s ultra-low interest rates affect the Yen, why the US Dollar strengthens when the Federal Reserve raises rates, and how the Euro responds to ECB policy changes.

📌 Perfect for Economics revision, macro & micro topics, and understanding exchange rate movements in the real world.

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Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for nearly forty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD and Revision conferences in the UK and overseas.