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Strategic Interactions in U.S. Monetary and Fiscal Policies

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  • Xiaoshan Chen
  • Eric M. Leeper
  • Campbell B. Leith

Abstract

We estimate a model in which fiscal and monetary policy behavior arise from the optimizing behavior of distinct policy authorities, with potentially different welfare functions. Optimal time-consistent policy behavior fits U.S. time series at least as well as rules-based behavior. American policies often do not conform to the conventional mix of conservative monetary policy and debt-stabilizing fiscal policy. Even after the Volcker disinflation, policies did not achieve that conventional mix, as fiscal policy did not act to stabilize debt until the mid 1990s. A credible conservative central bank that follows a time-consistent fiscal policy leader would come close to mimicking the cooperative Ramsey policy. Had that strategic policy mix been in place, American might have avoided the Great Inflation. Enhancing cooperation between policy makers without an ability to commit may be detrimental to welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoshan Chen & Eric M. Leeper & Campbell B. Leith, 2020. "Strategic Interactions in U.S. Monetary and Fiscal Policies," NBER Working Papers 27540, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:27540
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mao, Ruoyun & Shen, Wenyi & Yang, Shu-Chun S., 2024. "Can passive monetary policy decrease the debt burden?," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    3. Leek, Lauren Caroline & Bischl, Simeon & Freier, Maximilian, 2024. "Introducing Textual Measures of Central Bank Policy-Linkages Using ChatGPT," SocArXiv 78wnp, Center for Open Science.
    4. Schmidt, Sebastian, 2023. "Monetary-fiscal policy interactions when price stability occasionally takes a back seat," CEPR Discussion Papers 18002, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    5. Harrison, Richard & Waldron, Matt, 2021. "Optimal policy with occasionally binding constraints: piecewise linear solution methods," Bank of England working papers 911, Bank of England.
    6. Nigar Hashimzade & Oleg Kirsanov & Tatiana Kirsanova & Junior Maih, 2024. "On Bayesian Filtering for Markov Regime Switching Models," CESifo Working Paper Series 10941, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy

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