What does currency appreciation mean?

Currency appreciation refers to an increase in a currency's value relative to another currency. This means that when one currency appreciates, it can buy more of another currency than it could before. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against the euro, it means that each dollar can now be exchanged for more euros than previously. This can have various effects on the economy, including making imports cheaper for consumers and potentially making exports less competitive because they become more expensive for foreign buyers.

Understanding currency appreciation is crucial in the context of international trade and finance, as it impacts trade balances, capital flows, and overall economic conditions. The other choices, while they may touch on relevant topics, do not accurately define currency appreciation.