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The Origins, Structure, and Results of the Federal Reserve’s 2019–20 Review of Its Monetary Policy Framework

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Abstract

In this paper, we describe the Federal Reserve’s 2019–20 review of its monetary policy framework. First, we discuss the historical background of and motivation for the review. We then summarize the structure of the 2019–20 review, which included Fed Listens events, a flagship research conference, a series of staff analyses, and related Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) deliberations. Finally, we present the main outcomes of the review, with particular attention paid to changes to the FOMC’s Statement on Longer Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • François Gourio & Benjamin K. Johannsen & J. David López-Salido, 2025. "The Origins, Structure, and Results of the Federal Reserve’s 2019–20 Review of Its Monetary Policy Framework," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2025-065, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
  • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedgfe:2025-65
    DOI: 10.17016/FEDS.2025.065
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    1. Reifschneider, David & Willams, John C, 2000. "Three Lessons for Monetary Policy in a Low-Inflation Era," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 32(4), pages 936-966, November.
    2. Adam Hale Shapiro & Daniel J Wilson, 2022. "Taking the Fed at its Word: A New Approach to Estimating Central Bank Objectives using Text Analysis," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 89(5), pages 2768-2805.
    3. Ben S. Bernanke & Frederic S. Mishkin, 1997. "Inflation Targeting: A New Framework for Monetary Policy?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 11(2), pages 97-116, Spring.
    4. David L. Reifschneider & John C. Williams, 2000. "Three lessons for monetary policy in a low-inflation era," Conference Series ; [Proceedings], Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, pages 936-978.
    5. Holston, Kathryn & Laubach, Thomas & Williams, John C., 2017. "Measuring the natural rate of interest: International trends and determinants," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(S1), pages 59-75.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • 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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