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Central Bank Communication and Interest Rates: The Case of the Czech National Bank

Author

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  • Roman HORVATH

    (Institute of Economic Studies, Charles University, Prague)

  • Pavel KARAS

    (AKCENTA LOGISTIC, a.s., Czech Republic)

Abstract

We examine how written and oral central bank communications affect the level and volatility of interest rates. We use detailed daily data on the Czech central bank’s communication in 2007–2012. We find that financial markets respond to central bank communication. Short-term interest rates rise if the bank communicates that economic conditions are good. The results suggest that written communication, but not oral communication, decreases the volatility of both short-term and long-term interest rates. The timing of communication has a key role, as comments made closer to the monetary policy meeting have a bigger calming effect on the markets. All in all, our results point to the importance of well-designed communication for reducing noise in the financial markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Roman HORVATH & Pavel KARAS, 2013. "Central Bank Communication and Interest Rates: The Case of the Czech National Bank," Czech Journal of Economics and Finance (Finance a uver), Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, vol. 63(5), pages 454-464, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:fau:fauart:v:63:y:2013:i:5:p:454-464
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. RNuket Kirci Cevik & Sel Dibooglu & Ali M. Kutan, 2016. "Real and Financial Sector Studies in Central and Eastern Europe: A Review," Czech Journal of Economics and Finance (Finance a uver), Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, vol. 66(1), pages 2-31, February.
    3. Yutaka Kurihara, 2014. "Do European Central Bank Announcements Influence Stock Prices and Exchange Rates?," Journal of Applied Finance & Banking, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 4(4), pages 1-1.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    central bank communication; interest rates;

    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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