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Making Discretion in Monetary Policy More Rule-Like

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  • Frederic S. Mishkin

Abstract

This paper argues that the rules versus discretion debate has been miscast because a central bank does not have to choose only between adopting a policy rule versus pure discretion, both of which have serious shortcomings. Rather it can choose a constrained discretionary regime that has rule-like attributes. Monetary policy discretion can be made more rule-like, by 1) adopting a nominal anchor such as an inflation target, and 2) communication of a monetary policy reaction process, especially through data-based forward guidance, in which the monetary policy authorities describe how the future policy path will change as economic circumstances change.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederic S. Mishkin, 2017. "Making Discretion in Monetary Policy More Rule-Like," NBER Working Papers 24135, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:24135
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E5 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit
    • 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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