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The yield curve, recessions, and the credibility of the monetary regime: long-run evidence, 1875-1997

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  • Michael D. Bordo
  • Joseph G. Haubrich

Abstract

This paper brings historical evidence to bear on the stylized fact that the yield curve predicts future growth. The spread between corporate bonds and commercial paper reliably predicts future growth over the period 1875-1997. This predictability varies over time, however, particularly across different monetary regimes. In accord with our proposed theory, regimes with low credibility (high persistence of inflation) tend to have better predictability.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael D. Bordo & Joseph G. Haubrich, 2004. "The yield curve, recessions, and the credibility of the monetary regime: long-run evidence, 1875-1997," Working Papers (Old Series) 0402, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
  • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcwp:0402
    DOI: 10.26509/frbc-wp-200402
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interest rates; Bonds; Monetary policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Sytsems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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