Gauging Exchange Rate Targeting

Abstract:     
In this paper, we examine whether a monetary authority targets the exchange rate, per se, or instead simply appears to do so as it responds to the exchange rate and other variables in service to inflation and output targets. We combine data-rich estimation with a system of forward-looking equations in order to disentangle the possibilities. The combined approach reveals the potentially misleading nature of standard estimates of the extent of exchange rate and inflation targeting. We illustrate the approach by applying it to two de jure inflation targeters, Canada and Korea. In contrast to standard methods and much past work, we nd that neither country targets its exchange rate; and, both are bone fide inflation targeters.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 25

Keywords: Exchange Rates, Exchange Rate Management, Monetary Policy Rule, Inflation Targeting, Exchange Rate Regimes, Exchange Rate Classification, Factor Instrumental Variables

JEL Classification: F3, F4

working papers series