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Unconventional Monetary Policy, Fiscal Side Effects, and Euro Area (Im)balances

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  • Michael Hachula
  • Michele Piffer
  • Malte Rieth

Abstract

We study the macroeconomic effects of unconventional monetary policy in the euro area using structural vector autoregressions, identified with external instruments. The instruments are based on the common unexpected variation in euro area sovereign yields for different maturities on policy announcement days. We first show that expansionary monetary surprises are effective at lowering public and private interest rates and increasing economic activity, consumer prices, and inflation expectations. We then document that the shocks lead to a rise in primary public expenditures and a widening of internal trade balances.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Hachula & Michele Piffer & Malte Rieth, 2020. "Unconventional Monetary Policy, Fiscal Side Effects, and Euro Area (Im)balances," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 18(1), pages 202-231.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:18:y:2020:i:1:p:202-231.
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    More about this item

    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
    • 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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