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Sticky Prices: A New Monetarist Approach

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  • Allen Head
  • Lucy Qian Liu
  • Guido Menzio
  • Randall Wright

Abstract

Why do some sellers set nominal prices that apparently do not respond to changes in the aggregate price level? In many models, prices are sticky by assumption; here it is a result. We use search theory, with two consequences: prices are set in dollars, since money is the medium of exchange; and equilibrium implies a nondegenerate price distribution. When the money supply increases, some sellers may keep prices constant, earning less per unit but making it up on volume, so profit stays constant. The calibrated model matches price-change data well. But, in contrast with other sticky-price models, money is neutral.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen Head & Lucy Qian Liu & Guido Menzio & Randall Wright, 2011. "Sticky Prices: A New Monetarist Approach," NBER Working Papers 17520, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:17520
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    • E0 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General

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