Uncertainty and Simple Monetary Policy Rules

Abstract

This paper reports an investigation of the effects of additive and multiplicative uncertainty upon the stabilization properties of a simple base money rule for monetary policy. Using a five-equation empirical model of the United Kingdom, it is shown that changes in the extent of additive uncertainty have no effect on the "optimal" degree of policy responsiveness to shocks to the economy. However, it is found that policy-makers should respond by less to shocks in the face of multiplicative uncertainty, and, as multiplicative uncertainty rises, so the optimal degree of policy reaction falls. This accords with Brainard's (1967) theoretical analysis and could be interpreted as justifying a gradualist monetary policy.

JEL Classification: E52, E58