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The Rise and Fall of U.S. Inflation Persistence

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  • Meredith Beechey

    (Sveriges Riksbank)

  • Pär Österholm

    (Sveriges Riksbank)

Abstract

We estimate the path of inflation persistence in the United States over the last fifty years using an ARMA model of inflation with time-varying autoregressive parameter, motivated by the familiar New Keynesian framework. The estimated path of inflation persistence is consistent with a general reading of Federal Reserve history; inflation persistence is estimated to have declined substantially during Volcker and Greenspan’s tenures from the high persistence of the 1970s. Interpreted in light of the theoretical framework, the results suggest that the Federal Reserve has placed increasing weight on inflation stability in recent decades.

Suggested Citation

  • Meredith Beechey & Pär Österholm, 2012. "The Rise and Fall of U.S. Inflation Persistence," International Journal of Central Banking, International Journal of Central Banking, vol. 8(3), pages 55-86, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ijc:ijcjou:y:2012:q:3:a:2
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    JEL classification:

    • 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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