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FOMC In Silico: A Multi-Agent System for Monetary Policy Decision Modeling

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Listed:
  • Sophia Kazinnik

  • Tara M. Sinclair

Abstract

We develop a multi-agent framework for modeling the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision making process. The framework combines two approaches: an LLM-based simulation and a Monte Carlo implementation of a generalized Bayesian voting model. Both begin from identical prior beliefs about the appropriate interest rate for each committee member, formed using real-time data and member profiles. In a simulation replicating the July 2025 FOMC meeting, both tracks deliver rates near the 4.25-4.50% range's upper end (4.42% LLM, 4.38% MC). Political pressure scenario increases dissent and dispersion: the LLM track averages 4.38% and shows dissent in 88% of meetings; the MC track averages 4.39% and shows dissent in 61% of meetings. A negative jobs revision scenario moves outcomes lower: LLM at 4.30% (dissent in 74% of meeting), and MC at 4.32% (dissent in 62% of meeting), with final decisions remaining inside the 4.25-4.50% range. The framework isolates small, scenario-dependent wedges between behavioral and rational baselines, offering an in silico environment for counterfactual evaluation in monetary policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophia Kazinnik & Tara M. Sinclair, 2025. "FOMC In Silico: A Multi-Agent System for Monetary Policy Decision Modeling," Working Papers 2025-005, The George Washington University, The Center for Economic Research.
  • Handle: RePEc:gwc:wpaper:2025-005
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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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
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games

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