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A proposal to clarify the objectives and strategy of monetary policy

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  • Hetzel, Robert L.

Abstract

Academic economists have perennially made arguments for the conduct of monetary policy constrained by an explicit rule. These arguments have gone nowhere. This paper advances a proposal to clarify Fed objectives and strategy in order to facilitate discussion leading to consensus over a desirable rule. The essence of the proposal is to replace the forecasts of the individual participants at FOMC meetings now contained in the Summary of Economic Projections with a consensus FOMC forecast accompanied by commentary on the strategy for monetary policy underlying the forecast.

Suggested Citation

  • Hetzel, Robert L., 2017. "A proposal to clarify the objectives and strategy of monetary policy," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 54(PA), pages 72-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jmacro:v:54:y:2017:i:pa:p:72-89
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmacro.2017.03.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Svensson, Lars E. O., 1997. "Inflation forecast targeting: Implementing and monitoring inflation targets," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 1111-1146, June.
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    3. John B. Taylor, 1999. "A Historical Analysis of Monetary Policy Rules," NBER Chapters, in: Monetary Policy Rules, pages 319-348, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    7. Hetzel,Robert L., 2008. "The Monetary Policy of the Federal Reserve," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521881326.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies

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