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Central Bank Independence and Inflation: An Empirical Analysis

Author

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  • Chiquiar Daniel
  • Ibarra-Ramírez Raúl

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between central bank independence and inflation in a panel of 182 countries for the period from 1970 to 2018. To measure the degree of independence, two measures are used, the Garriga (2016) index, constructed from the laws and internal regulations of central banks, and the Dreher et al. (2008) index, based on the turnover rate of governors. The results indicate that greater central bank independence is associated with lower levels of inflation, both for highincome countries and for low and middle-income countries. There is also a negative relationship between inflation volatility and central bank independence, although the results are statistically significant only when using the full sample of countries. The results are robust to the use of the two alternative measures of Independence and to the use of two alternative approaches to avoid simultaneity.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiquiar Daniel & Ibarra-Ramírez Raúl, 2019. "Central Bank Independence and Inflation: An Empirical Analysis," Working Papers 2019-18, Banco de México.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdm:wpaper:2019-18
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Central Bank Independence; Inflation;

    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • 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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