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Improving U.S. Monetary Policy Communications

Author

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  • Cecchetti, Stephen
  • Schoenholtz, Kermit L.

Abstract

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) publishes vast amounts of information regarding monetary policy, including its goals, strategy and outlook. By reinforcing the commitment to price stability and maximum sustainable employment, this transparency has helped improve U.S. economic performance in recent decades. Based on two dozen interviews with policy experts, we identify three objectives that guide our search for further improvements in communications practices: simplifying public statements, clarifying how policy will react to changing conditions, and highlighting uncertainty and risks. As examples, we propose a simpler post-meeting policy statement and the introduction of a concise Report on Economic Projections, the elements of which are mostly available in existing publications. A broader, systematic application of these objectives could also help the FOMC streamline other aspects of its communications framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecchetti, Stephen & Schoenholtz, Kermit L., 2019. "Improving U.S. Monetary Policy Communications," CEPR Discussion Papers 13915, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13915
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. The Fed's Crystal Ball: Looking Beyond the COVID-19 Recession
      by Steve Cecchetti and Kim Schoenholtz in Money, Banking and Financial Markets on 2020-06-15 11:14:52
    2. Stopping central banks from being prisoners of financial markets
      by Steve Cecchetti and Kim Schoenholtz in Money, Banking and Financial Markets on 2021-04-19 12:12:24

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Davig, Troy & Foerster, Andrew, 2023. "Communicating Monetary Policy Rules," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
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    3. Schmeling, Maik & Schrimpf, Andreas & Steffensen, Sigurd A.M., 2022. "Monetary policy expectation errors," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(3), pages 841-858.
    4. Anjali Karol, 2020. "A Decade After the Global Financial Crisis: Lessons and Policy for International Stability," International Journal of Financial Research, International Journal of Financial Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(2), pages 416-423, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Central bank communication; Federal Reserve; Forward guidance; Monetary policy; Reaction functions; Policy transparency; Monetary policy credibility; Central bank accountability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • 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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