The demand for Swiss banknotes: some new evidence

July 9, 2019
Issue 2019-02

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Abstract

Knowing the part of currency in circulation that is used for transactions is important information for a central bank. For several countries, the share of banknotes that is hoarded or circulates abroad is sizeable, which may be particularly relevant for large-denomination banknotes. We analyse the demand for Swiss banknotes over a period starting in 1950 to 2017 and use different methods to derive the evolution of the amount that is hoarded. Our findings indicate a sizeable amount of hoarding, in particular for large denominations. The hoarding shares increased around the break-up of the Bretton Woods system, were comparatively low in the mid-1990s and have increased significantly since the turn of the millennium and the recent financial and economic crises.

Issue:
02
Pages:
27
JEL classification:
E41, E52
Keywords:
Currency in Circulation, Cash, Demand for Banknotes, Hoarding of Banknotes, Banknotes Held by Non-residents
Year:
2019

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Authors

  • Katrin Assenmacher

  • Franz Seitz

  • Dr. Jörn Tenhofen

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