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An options-based impact study of the negative interest rate policy and forward guidance

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  • Rostagno, Massimo
  • Altavilla, Carlo
  • Carboni, Giacomo
  • Lemke, Wolfgang
  • Motto, Roberto
  • Saint-Guilhem, Arthur

Abstract

The effect of Negative Interest Rate Policy (NIRP) and rate Forward Guidance (FG) on the yield curve is very similar with both policies exerting their maximal impact on a same spectrum of short-to-medium term maturities. Yet, we find that their impact on the predictive interest rate distribution differs. Accommodative FG prices out high interest rate trajectories, thus affecting upper percentiles; NIRP changes the market pricing of the effective lower bound on the policy rate, thus affecting lower percentiles. Building on this evidence, we combine option-implied rate densities with event-study analysis to separate the effects of NIRP and FG. We find that the impact of the ECB's NIRP on forward rates was stronger than that of FG.

Suggested Citation

  • Rostagno, Massimo & Altavilla, Carlo & Carboni, Giacomo & Lemke, Wolfgang & Motto, Roberto & Saint-Guilhem, Arthur, 2025. "An options-based impact study of the negative interest rate policy and forward guidance," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:moneco:v:152:y:2025:i:c:s0304393225000479
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoneco.2025.103776
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Davtyan & Adel R. Kalozdi, 2025. "The Power of Words: Central Bank Green Communication and Performance of Energy Sectors," Working Papers wpdea2515, Department of Applied Economics at Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • C58 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Financial Econometrics
    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General
    • E51 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Money Supply; Credit; Money Multipliers
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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