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How do central banks control inflation? A guide for the perplexed

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Castillo-Martinez

    (Duke University)

  • Ricardo Reis

    (London School of Economics (LSE))

Abstract

Central banks have a primary goal of price stability. They pursue it using tools that include the interest they pay on reserves, the size and the composition of their balance sheet, and the dividends they distribute. We describe the economic theories that justify the central bank’s ability to control inflation and discuss their relative effectiveness, in light of both theory and the historical record. We present alternative approaches as consistent with each other, as opposed to conflicting ideological camps. While interest-rate setting is often superior, having both a monetarist pillar and fiscal support is essential, and at times pegging the exchange rate or monetizing the debt is inevitable.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Castillo-Martinez & Ricardo Reis, 2024. "How do central banks control inflation? A guide for the perplexed," Discussion Papers 2433, Centre for Macroeconomics (CFM).
    • Handle: RePEc:cfm:wpaper:2433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Americo & Douglas Kiarelly Godoy de Araujo & Johannes Damp & Sjur Nilsen & Daniel Rees & Rafael Schmidt & Christian Schmieder, 2025. "Inflation cycles: evidence from international data," BIS Working Papers 1264, Bank for International Settlements.
    2. Wataru Hagio & Daisuke Ikeda & Satoshi Kobayashi & Nao Sudo, 2024. "Price Dynamics and Monetary Policy Challenges -- Lessons Learned and Going Forward -- Summary of the 2024 BOJ-IMES Conference," Monetary and Economic Studies, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan, vol. 42, pages 1-32, November.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination

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