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The communication policy of the European Central Bank: An overview of the first decade

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Listed author(s):
  • Jakob de Haan
  • David-Jan Jansen

Abstract

Since its inception, the European Central Bank (ECB) has regarded communication as anintegral part of its monetary policy. This paper describes and evaluates ECB communications during the first decade of its operation.We conclude that, overall, ECB communication has contributed to the effectiveness of its monetary policy. Our review of the literature shows that ECB communications affect the level and volatility of financial prices - suggesting that private sector expectations reacted to ECB communication. In addition, there is evidence that communication has improved the predictability of interest rate decisions.Â

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Paper provided by Netherlands Central Bank, Research Department in its series DNB Working Papers with number 212.

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Date of creation: Jun 2009
Handle: RePEc:dnb:dnbwpp:212
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Keywords: communication; European Central Bank; transparency; monetary policy;

Find related papers by JEL classification:

  • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
  • 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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