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The Inflation Uncertainty Amplifier

Author

Listed:
  • Efrem Castelnuovo
  • Giovanni Pellegrino
  • Laust L. Særkjær

Abstract

We study how uncertainty shocks affect the macroeconomy across the inflation cycle using a nonlinear stochastic volatility-in-mean VAR. When inflation is high, uncertainty shocks raise inflation and depress real activity more sharply. A non-linear New Keynesian model with second-moment shocks and trend inflation explains this via an 'inflation-uncertainty amplifier': the interaction between high trend inflation and firms' upward price bias magnifies the effects of uncertainty by increasing price dispersion. An aggressive policy response can replicate the allocation achieved under standard policy when trend inflation is low.

Suggested Citation

  • Efrem Castelnuovo & Giovanni Pellegrino & Laust L. Særkjær, 2025. "The Inflation Uncertainty Amplifier," CESifo Working Paper Series 11853, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11853
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter N. Ireland, 2007. "Changes in the Federal Reserve's Inflation Target: Causes and Consequences," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 39(8), pages 1851-1882, December.
    2. Olivier Coibion & Yuriy Gorodnichenko, 2011. "Monetary Policy, Trend Inflation, and the Great Moderation: An Alternative Interpretation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 101(1), pages 341-370, February.
    3. Timothy Cogley & Thomas J. Sargent, 2005. "Drift and Volatilities: Monetary Policies and Outcomes in the Post WWII U.S," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 8(2), pages 262-302, April.
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    5. Piergiorgio Alessandri & Haroon Mumtaz, 2017. "Financial conditions and density forecasts for US output and inflation," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 24, pages 66-78, March.
    6. Ascari, Guido & Ropele, Tiziano, 2007. "Optimal monetary policy under low trend inflation," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(8), pages 2568-2583, November.
    7. Engin Kara & Ahmed Pirzada, 2023. "Unraveling the Impact of Higher Uncertainty on Profits and Inflation," CESifo Working Paper Series 10587, CESifo.
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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
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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