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The Trilemma in History: Trade-offs Among Exchange Rates, Monetary Policies and Capital Mobility

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  • Obstfeld, Maurice
  • Taylor, Alan M.
  • Shambaugh, Jay

Abstract

The exchange-rate regime is often seen as constrained by the monetary policy trilemma, which imposes a stark trade-off among exchange stability, monetary independence, and capital market openness. Yet the trilemma has not gone without challenge. Some (e.g., Calvo and Reinhart 2001, 2002) argue that under the modern float there could be limited monetary autonomy. Others (e.g., Bordo and Flandreau 2003), that even under the classical gold standard domestic monetary autonomy was considerable. This Paper studies the coherence of international interest rates over more than 130 years. The constraints implied by the trilemma are largely borne out by history.

Suggested Citation

  • Obstfeld, Maurice & Taylor, Alan M. & Shambaugh, Jay, 2004. "The Trilemma in History: Trade-offs Among Exchange Rates, Monetary Policies and Capital Mobility," CEPR Discussion Papers 4352, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:4352
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trilemma; Exchange rates; Monetary policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission

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