Inflation Targeting Under Imperfect Policy Credibility

Abstract:     
This paper presents a model for Inflation Targeting under imperfect policy credibility. It modifies the conventional model in three ways: an endogenous policy credibility process, by which monetary policy can gain or lose credibility over time; non-linearities in the inflation equation and in the credibility generating process; and an explicit loss function. The model highlights problems associated with the practice of setting a series of rigid near-term inflation targets. Also, unfavorable supply shocks pose a difficult problem: an appropriate response involves an interest rate increase, some loss of output, and a period of increased inflation. A delayed response can result in a prolonged period of stagflation.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 32

Keywords: Inflation targeting, Emerging markets, Monetary policy, Disinflation, Demand, Price increases, Economic models

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