2

The following illustrations of the effects of possible movements in Hong Kong's external reserves may be of interest.

It might

be mentioned that, in their calculations, Hong Kong appear to have over. Ú looked that falls in the value of sterling holdings are reflected in reduced total external reserves and therefore reduced minimum sterling

a The table assumes 78% MSP.

holdings.

1. Reserves unchanged except for securities' depreciation

£ mns

Minimum

Total

(a)

397

Sterling

313 (78.8%)

F/cv

sterling holding

£ excess+/ shortfall-

84

309.7

+ 3.3

(6)

384

300 (78.1%)

84

299.5

+ 0.5

(0)

381.8

297.8 (78.0%)

84

297.8

2. Reserves falling although some inflow (£5 mn.) of non-£ currency with sterling unchanged except for securities' depreciation

(a)

흐흐

397

(b)

389

313 (78.8%)

300 (77.1%)

84

89

309.7

303.4

+ 3.3

3.4

3. Total reserves rise but depreciation of sterling holdings greater

than income on sterling holdings

(a)

1397

313 (78.8%)

84

(d)

400

311 (77.8%)

89

(a)

405 311 (76.8%)

94

309.7

+ 3.3

309.7

+ 1.3

309.7

+ 1.3

(a) The position on 26th September 1973 at current market values (b) An estimate of the position allowing for the depreciation in the

value of sterling investments since the 26th September.

(c) The minimum sterling holding required for non-£ currency holdings

of £84 mn.

(a)

(b) + £11 mn. sterling interest and dividends and £5 mm. or £10 mn.

non-sterling currencies.

Share This Page