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A Time-Invariant Duration Policy under the Zero Lower Bound

Author

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  • Kozo Ueda

    (Director and Senior Economist, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan (E-mail: kouzou.ueda boj.or.jp))

Abstract

Optimal commitment policy under the zero lower bound entails a high degree of complexity and time-inconsistency in a stochastic economy. This paper proposes a time-invariant duration policy that mitigates those problems and facilitates policy implementation and communication while retaining effectiveness in inflation stabilization. Under the time- invariant duration policy, a central bank commits itself to maintaining low interest rates for some duration even after adverse shocks disappear, but unlike the optimal commitment policy, the duration is independent of the ex post spell of the adverse shocks. Consequently, the time- inconsistency problem does not increase even if the ex post spell of the adverse shocks lengthens, and policy rates are expressed in an extremely simple, explicit form. Simulation results suggest that the time-invariant duration policy performs virtually as effectively as the optimal commitment policy in stabilizing inflation, and far better than a discretionary policy and simple interest rate rules with or without inertia.

Suggested Citation

  • Kozo Ueda, 2010. "A Time-Invariant Duration Policy under the Zero Lower Bound," IMES Discussion Paper Series 10-E-12, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan.
  • Handle: RePEc:ime:imedps:10-e-12
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    File URL: http://www.imes.boj.or.jp/research/papers/english/10-E-12.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nakazono, Yoshiyuki & Ueda, Kozo, 2013. "Policy commitment and market expectations: Lessons learned from survey based evidence under Japan's quantitative easing policy," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 25, pages 102-113.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Zero lower bound on nominal interest rates; optimal monetary policy; liquidity trap; time-inconsistency;
    All these keywords.

    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

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