Measuring Investors’ Behavioral Bias from the Movement of Currency Forward Rate

Abstract

This study investigates whether the forward exchange rate is an unbiased predictor of future spot exchange rate. The empirical results by regression analysis show that the forward rate cannot predict the future spot exchange rate, particularly at longer periods. Therefore, this study aims to use behavioral interpretations explaining behind the inefficient forecasts of forward rates. The result clearly shows that behavioral interpretation is effective to explain such issues, indicating that all the examined currencies have similar patterns in the forecast revisions processes. Moreover, the evidences of this research also show that the FRUH do almost hold at shorter periods, and the longer periods, the more behavioral biases occur. Also, after controlling for time-varying risk premium in the regression, the markets reflect a more balanced mood over time and approach the FRUH.