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The Predictability of Global Monetary Policy Surprises

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  • Christopher D. Cotton

Abstract

Markets systematically misprice interest rate changes around central bank announcements. I show that the strongest predictor of this mispricing is recent change in global interest rates. More specifically, a 1 percentage point increase in global short-term interest rates in the 15 days before a central bank meeting is associated with a 12-basis point surprise increase in short-term rates at that meeting. I demonstrate that this is the result of markets underreacting to signals coming from the global interest rate cycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher D. Cotton, 2025. "The Predictability of Global Monetary Policy Surprises," Working Papers 25-14, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedbwp:102186
    DOI: 10.29412/res.wp.2025.14
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Altavilla, Carlo & Brugnolini, Luca & Gürkaynak, Refet S. & Motto, Roberto & Ragusa, Giuseppe, 2019. "Measuring euro area monetary policy," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 162-179.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • 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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