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Inequality-Constrained Monetary Policy in a Financialized Economy

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  • Fierro, Luca Eduardo
  • Giri, Federico
  • Russo, Alberto

Abstract

We study how income inequality affects monetary policy through the inequality-household debt channel. We design a minimal macro Agent-Based model that replicates several stylized facts, including two novel ones: falling aggregate saving rate and decreasing bankruptcies during the household's debt boom phase. When inequality meets financial liberalization, a leaning against-the-wind strategy can preserve financial stability at the cost of high unemployment, whereas an accommodative strategy can dampen the fall of aggregate demand at the cost of larger leverage. We conclude that inequality may constrain the central bank, even when it is not explicitly targeted.

Suggested Citation

  • Fierro, Luca Eduardo & Giri, Federico & Russo, Alberto, 2022. "Inequality-Constrained Monetary Policy in a Financialized Economy," MPRA Paper 115741, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:115741
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Financial Fragility; Monetary Policy; Agent-Based Model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E25 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Aggregate Factor Income Distribution
    • 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
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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