The document discusses floating exchange rates that were adopted in 1973 as an alternative to fixed rates. Proponents argued that floating rates would reduce economic volatility and facilitate free trade by offsetting inflation rate differences. However, critics stated that floating rates could lead to uncertainty and encourage speculation. A survey by the IMF found that exchange rate volatility since the 1970s did not hamper world trade growth and that speculation was not clearly linked to floating rates. While some economists call for a return to fixed rates, history shows that any long-term stable system requires price stability and credibility.