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Implicit quantile preferences of the Fed and the Taylor rule

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Listed:
  • Gabriel Montes-Rojas
  • Fernando Toledo
  • Nicol'as Bertholet
  • Kevin Corfield

Abstract

We study optimal monetary policy when a central bank maximizes a quantile utility objective rather than expected utility. In our framework, the central bank's risk attitude is indexed by the quantile index level, providing a transparent mapping between hawkish/dovish stances and attention to adverse macroeconomic realizations. We formulate the infinite-horizon problem using a Bellman equation with the quantile operator. Implementing an Euler-equation approach, we derive Taylor-rule-type reaction functions. Using an indirect inference approach, we derive a central bank risk aversion implicit quantile index. An empirical implementation for the US is outlined based on reduced-form laws of motion with conditional heteroskedasticity, enabling estimation of the new monetary policy rule and its dependence on the Fed risk attitudes. The results reveal that the Fed has mostly a dovish-type behavior but with some periods of hawkish attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Montes-Rojas & Fernando Toledo & Nicol'as Bertholet & Kevin Corfield, 2025. "Implicit quantile preferences of the Fed and the Taylor rule," Papers 2510.24362, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2510.24362
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thanaset Chevapatrakul & Tae‐Hwan Kim & Paul Mizen, 2009. "The Taylor Principle and Monetary Policy Approaching a Zero Bound on Nominal Rates: Quantile Regression Results for the United States and Japan," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 41(8), pages 1705-1723, December.
    2. Larry G. Epstein & Stanley E. Zin, 2013. "Substitution, risk aversion and the temporal behavior of consumption and asset returns: A theoretical framework," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Leonard C MacLean & William T Ziemba (ed.), HANDBOOK OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING Part I, chapter 12, pages 207-239, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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    5. Wolters, Maik H., 2012. "Estimating monetary policy reaction functions using quantile regressions," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 342-361.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • 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

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