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Discretion and the transmission lags of monetary policy

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  • Kilponen, Juha
  • Leitemo, Kai

Abstract

Monetary policy transmission lags create credibility problems for the inflationtargeting policy maker who acts under discretion. We show that if prices react to monetary policy with a longer lag than output, the welfare maximizing inflationtargeting policy implies no policy stabilization of cost-push shocks in the canonical New Keynesian model. The reason is simple: for the period monetary policy influences output, inflation is predetermined and the best discretionary policy is to stabilize the output gap fully. We find that money growth targeting comes close to replicating the welfare-maximizing policy under commitment if there are transmission lags.

Suggested Citation

  • Kilponen, Juha & Leitemo, Kai, 2007. "Discretion and the transmission lags of monetary policy," Bank of Finland Research Discussion Papers 8/2007, Bank of Finland.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:bofrdp:rdp2007_008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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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
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination

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