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Gambling to Preserve Price (and Fiscal) Stability

Author

Listed:
  • Giancarlo Corsetti

    (European University Institute and CEPR)

  • Bartosz Maćkowiak

    (European Central Bank and CEPR)

Abstract

We study a model in which policy aims at aggregate price stability. A fiscal imbalance materializes that, if uncorrected, must cause inflation, but the imbalance may get corrected in the future with some probability. By maintaining price stability in the near term, monetary policy can buy time for a correction to take place. The policy gamble may succeed, preserving price and fiscal stability, or fail, leading to a delayed, possibly large jump in the price level. The resulting dynamics resemble the models of a currency crisis following Krugman (J Money Credit Bank 11:311–325, 1979) and Obstfeld (Am Econ Rev 76: 72–81, 1986). Like in Obstfeld’s work, multiple equilibria arise naturally: whether or not price stability is preserved may depend on private agents’ expectations. The model can be reinterpreted as a model of partial default on public debt, in which case it is reminiscent of Calvo (Am Econ Rev 78:647–661, 1988).

Suggested Citation

  • Giancarlo Corsetti & Bartosz Maćkowiak, 2024. "Gambling to Preserve Price (and Fiscal) Stability," IMF Economic Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Monetary Fund, vol. 72(1), pages 32-57, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:imfecr:v:72:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41308-023-00214-x
    DOI: 10.1057/s41308-023-00214-x
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    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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