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Average inflation targeting: Time inconsistency and ambiguous communication

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  • Jia, Chengcheng
  • Wu, Jing Cynthia

Abstract

We study the implications of average inflation targeting (AIT). AIT improves the inflation-output trade-off when the private sector believes the central bank’s announcement. Ex post, the central bank has the incentive to implement inflation targeting instead to maximize social welfare. Next, we examine whether and how the central bank can convince the private sector, and find ambiguous communication helps the central bank gain credibility and improve welfare. These results apply to several key aspects of AIT announcement and do not rely on specific modeling assumptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jia, Chengcheng & Wu, Jing Cynthia, 2023. "Average inflation targeting: Time inconsistency and ambiguous communication," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 69-86.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:moneco:v:138:y:2023:i:c:p:69-86
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoneco.2023.05.010
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    1. Budianto, Flora & Nakata, Taisuke & Schmidt, Sebastian, 2023. "Average inflation targeting and the interest rate lower bound," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inflation expectations; Average inflation targeting; Time inconsistency; Ambiguous communication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • 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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