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Why monetary policy should crack down harder during high inflation

Author

Listed:
  • Karadi, Peter
  • Nakov, Anton
  • Nuño, Galo
  • Pasten, Ernesto
  • Thaler, Dominik

Abstract

The recent surge in inflation has led to a significant increase in the frequency of price changes, making prices more flexible. Conventional models assume a constant price change frequency, but in state-dependent models the frequency varies with economic conditions. Price flexibility has an impact on the effectiveness of monetary policy. In high inflation periods, frequent price changes make monetary policy more effective in reducing inflation with less impact on economic activity. Therefore, monetary policy should be more aggressive during such periods to stabilise prices efficiently. This approach allows central banks to achieve a “soft landing” with less impact on activity. Overall, central banks should adjust their strategies based on the inflation environment to optimise economic outcomes. JEL Classification: E31, E32

Suggested Citation

  • Karadi, Peter & Nakov, Anton & Nuño, Galo & Pasten, Ernesto & Thaler, Dominik, 2025. "Why monetary policy should crack down harder during high inflation," Research Bulletin, European Central Bank, vol. 130.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbrbu:2025:0130:
    Note: 1871516
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Emi Nakamura & Jón Steinsson, 2010. "Monetary Non-neutrality in a Multisector Menu Cost Model," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 125(3), pages 961-1013.
    2. Mikhail Golosov & Robert E. Lucas Jr., 2007. "Menu Costs and Phillips Curves," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 115(2), pages 171-199.
    3. Hugh Montag & Daniel Villar Vallenas, 2023. "Price-Setting During the Covid Era," FEDS Notes 2023-08-29, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    4. Karadi, Peter & Nakov, Anton & Nuño, Galo & Pasten, Ernesto & Thaler, Dominik, 2024. "Strike while the Iron is Hot: Optimal Monetary Policy with a Nonlinear Phillips Curve," CEPR Discussion Papers 19339, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    5. Alberto Cavallo & Francesco Lippi & Ken Miyahara, 2024. "Large Shocks Travel Fast," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 6(4), pages 558-574, December.
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    Keywords

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    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

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