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Is The Phillips Curve Alive and Well After All? Inflation Expectations and the Missing Disinflation

In: Lessons from the Financial Crisis for Monetary Policy

Author

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  • Olivier Coibion
  • Yuriy Gorodnichenko

Abstract

We evaluate explanations for the absence of disinflation during the Great Recession and find popular explanations to be insufficient. We propose a new explanation for this puzzle within the context of a standard Phillips curve. If firms' inflation expectations track those of households, then the missing disinflation can be explained by the rise in their inflation expectations between 2009 and 2011. We present new econometric and survey evidence consistent with firms having similar expectations as households. The rise in household inflation expectations from 2009 to 2011 can be explained by the increase in oil prices over this time period. (JEL D84, E24, E32, E52, E58, Q35)
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Olivier Coibion & Yuriy Gorodnichenko, 2013. "Is The Phillips Curve Alive and Well After All? Inflation Expectations and the Missing Disinflation," NBER Chapters, in: Lessons from the Financial Crisis for Monetary Policy, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:13310
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E3 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles
    • E5 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit

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