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The Optimal Inflation Target and the Natural Rate of Interest

Author

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  • Andrade, Philippe
  • Galí, Jordi
  • Lebihan, Hervé
  • Matheron, Julien

Abstract

We study how changes in the value of the steady-state real interest rate affect the optimal inflation target, both in the U.S. and the euro area, using an estimated New Keynesian DSGE model that incorporates the zero (or effective) lower bound on the nominal interest rate. We find that this relation is downward sloping, but its slope is not necessarily one-for-one: increases in the optimal inflation rate are generally lower than declines in the steady-state real interest rate. Our approach allows us not only to assess the uncertainty surrounding the optimal inflation target, but also to determine the latter while taking into account the parameter uncertainty facing the policy maker, including uncertainty with regard to the determinants of the steady-state real interest rate. We find that in the currently empirically relevant region for the US as well as the euro area, the slope of the curve is close to -0.9. That finding is robust to allowing for parameter uncertainty.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrade, Philippe & Galí, Jordi & Lebihan, Hervé & Matheron, Julien, 2018. "The Optimal Inflation Target and the Natural Rate of Interest," CEPR Discussion Papers 12723, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:12723
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    effective lower bound; inflation target;

    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
    • 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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