Total of a country's gold holdings and convertible foreign currencies held inits central bank. Usually includes foreign currencies themselves, other assetsdenominated in foreign currencies, and particular amount of special drawingrights (SDRs). A foreign exchange reserve is a useful precaution for countriesexposed to financial crises. It can be used for the purpose of intervening inthe exchange market to influence or peg the exchange rate.Amount as at end ofperiod.