Special Drawing Rights (SDR) exchange rate index

The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) exchange rate index is based on four major currencies (-> definition). Therefore, it is a broader measure of changes in the international value of domestic currencies compared to the US dollar exchange rate. Especially if a larger share of foreign trade and financial flows (e.g. debt) is not denominated in US dollars, it may be more representative.

Definition

"The currency value of the SDR is determined by summing the values in U.S. dollars, based on market exchange rates, of a basket of major currencies (the U.S. dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, and pound sterling). The SDR currency value is calculated daily (except on IMF holidays or whenever the IMF is closed for business) and the valuation basket is reviewed and adjusted every five years." IMF, Washington

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