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The great redistribution that wasn’t: a HANK-OLG perspective on monetary policy

Author

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  • Brzoza-Brzezina, Michał
  • Rigato, Rodolfo Dinis

Abstract

We study the distributional consequences of the recent inflationary surge and the subsequent monetary policy response in the euro area. Using an estimated two-asset Heterogeneous Agent New Keynesian model with an overlapping generations structure, we analyze the macroeconomic shocks driving inflation between 2021 and 2022. We find that these shocks generated substantial redistribution from young and poor households toward older and wealthier ones. By keeping interest rates unchanged until mid-2022, monetary policy largely offset these distributional effects. A policy response based solely on a standard Taylor rule would have failed to mitigate the redistribution. JEL Classification: E31, E52, E58, D31

Suggested Citation

  • Brzoza-Brzezina, Michał & Rigato, Rodolfo Dinis, 2026. "The great redistribution that wasn’t: a HANK-OLG perspective on monetary policy," Working Paper Series 3197, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20263197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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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
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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