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The life experience of central bankers and monetary policy decisions: a cross-country dataset

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  • Carlos Madeira

Abstract

Using hand-collected data with biographical information on central bank governors and board members in over 200 countries, I obtain experience-based forecasts for GDP growth and inflation based on an adaptive learning model estimated from their lifetime macroeconomic data. I show life experience influences the monetary policy rates, even after accounting for other macroeconomics observables in the empirical Taylor rule. The role of personal experience is lower in advanced economies and for central bankers with treasury experience. Furthermore, life experience influences the tone of speeches for monetary policy, financial stability and climate concerns. Weather disasters experience reduces climate concerns and NGFS membership.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Madeira, 2025. "The life experience of central bankers and monetary policy decisions: a cross-country dataset," BIS Working Papers 1304, Bank for International Settlements.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:biswps:1304
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General
    • E60 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - General
    • E70 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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