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On the theory of interest rate policy

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  • Heinz-Peter Spahn

    (UniversitŠt Hohenheim, Institut fŸr Volkswirtschaftslehre, Lehrstuhl fŸr Wirtschaftspolitik, Stuttgart (Germany))

Abstract

A new consensus in the theory of monetary policy has been reached pointing to the pivotal role of interest rates that are set in accordance with central banks' reaction functions. The decisive criterion of assessing the Taylor rule, inflation and monetary targeting is not the macrotheoretic foundation of these concepts. They serve as "languages" coordinating heterogeneous beliefs among policy makers and private agents, and should also allow rule-based discretionary policies when markets are in need of leadership. Contrary to the ECB dogma, the Fed is right to have an eye on the risks of inflation and unemployment.

Suggested Citation

  • Heinz-Peter Spahn, 2001. "On the theory of interest rate policy," BNL Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 54(219), pages 355-380.
    • Handle: RePEc:psl:bnlaqr:2001:42
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    File URL: http://ojs.uniroma1.it/index.php/PSLQuarterlyReview/article/view/9951/9832
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Philip Arestis & Malcolm Sawyer, 2003. "Does the stock of money have any causal significance?," Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 56(225), pages 113-136.
    2. Doyle, Matthew, 2006. "On the Optimality of Delay in 'Monetary Policy As a Process of Search'," Staff General Research Papers Archive 12503, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interest Rates; Interest; Monetary Policy; Monetary; Policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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