Critics of this argument say the rules are too harsh. They result in the richer nations enjoying the benefits of a currency union (like, for example, an artificially depressed currency that boosts the competitiveness of their exports), while the poorer nations are denied the tools to rebalance their economies if crisis hits. On this reading the rich nations enjoy most of the benefits of the currency union in the good times and the poor nations suffer most of the drawbacks when the weather turns. The only way to redress this balance is through fiscal transfers.