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Central bank information effects in Japan: the role of uncertainty channel

Author

Listed:
  • Hiroshi Morita

    (School of Engineering)

  • Ryo Matsumoto

    (Hitotsubashi University)

  • Taiki Ono

    (Bank of Japan)

Abstract

This study identifies central bank information shocks and pure monetary policy shocks for Japan by combining high-frequency identification with sign restrictions. The empirical findings provide robust evidence of the central bank information effect in Japan. Specifically, the central bank’s optimistic outlook, conveyed through contractionary monetary actions, reduces economic uncertainty and leads to increases in stock prices and output. Additionally, changes in uncertainty play a significant role in the transmission of the central bank’s information effect. The overall impact of monetary policy and information shocks, as identified through our method, is found to be larger than that identified using conventional techniques such as Cholesky decomposition.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiroshi Morita & Ryo Matsumoto & Taiki Ono, 2025. "Central bank information effects in Japan: the role of uncertainty channel," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(2), pages 855-877, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:68:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s00181-024-02656-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-024-02656-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Wataru Hagio & Daisuke Ikeda & Koji Takahashi & Keisuke Yoshida, 2026. "Mind the Gap When Exiting Low-for-Long," IMES Discussion Paper Series 26-E-02, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan.

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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
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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