3.3. Further Explanations on the Nature of Exchanges
![An Essay on Economic Theory by Richard Cantillon](https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_650w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=YiIwLywF 650w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_870w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=fBrL7U1O 870w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1090w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=cnuy5wMN 1090w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1310w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=2zk8BH6g 1310w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1530w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=mtXAWopD 1530w)
Exchange rates are explained as a function of the balance of trade and other factors. A trade deficit can cause your money to exchange below par, while a trade surplus will cause it to exchange above par. In fact, the exchange rate, above and below par, is an indicator of the general balance of trade in a country. An attempt to prohibit the export of gold necessary to pay for deficits only hurts the economy.
From Part 3: International Trade and Business Cycles. Narrated by Millian Quinteros.