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Optimal long-run inflation and the New Keynesian model

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  • Pontiggia, D.

Abstract

Central banks typically have a long-run inflation target that is modestly positive. However, the standard New Keynesian framework prescribes that zero inflation is the optimal long-run target. In this paper, we show that when the baseline New Keynesian model is extended to allow for rule-of-thumb behavior by price setters, the optimality of zero long-run inflation ceases, and the monetary authority commits to a positive inflation target. The optimality of positive long-run inflation turns on the fact that the aggregate-supply relation does not imply an equivalence, up to first-order and regardless of policy, between the welfare-relevant measure of inflation and the discounted sequence of future output gaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Pontiggia, D., 2012. "Optimal long-run inflation and the New Keynesian model," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 1077-1094.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jmacro:v:34:y:2012:i:4:p:1077-1094
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmacro.2012.07.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Dario Pontiggia, 2016. "A Note on Intrinsic Inflation Persistence and the Optimal Inflation Rate," Journal of Reviews on Global Economics, Lifescience Global, vol. 5, pages 248-253.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimal monetary policy; Inflation persistence; Phillips curve;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E30 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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