Monetary policy framework

• December 14, 2007

  The Costs of Inflation in New Keynesian Models

  Bank of Canada Review - Winter 2007-2008 Steve Ambler

  Ambler describes three new channels through which inflation affects economic welfare in New Keynesian models. These channels were absent from traditional analyses and may have caused researchers to underestimate the costs associated with variable inflation, even at relatively low levels of inflation. The article concludes with a preliminary assessment of the quantitative importance of the new channels and their significance for monetary policy.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Inflation: costs and benefits, Monetary policy framework
• December 13, 2007

  Central Bank Performance under Inflation Targeting

  Bank of Canada Review - Winter 2007-2008 Marc-André Gosselin

  Gosselin examines and reports on the various factors that contribute to successful inflation targeting. Using a panel of 21 inflation-targeting countries over the period 1990Q1-2007Q2, Gosselin finds that the ability of central banks to hit their targets varies considerably. Some of these differences can be explained by exchange rate fluctuations, fiscal deficits, and differences in financial development. Others are explained by differences in the targeting framework itself and the manner in which it is implemented.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Central bank research, Inflation targets, Monetary policy framework
• December 10, 2007

  Inflation Targeting, Price-Level Targeting, and Fluctuations in Canada's Terms of Trade

  Bank of Canada Review - Winter 2007-2008 Donald Coletti, René Lalonde

  Coletti and Lalonde compare inflation targeting and price-level targeting in the context of a small open economy subject to sizable terms-of-trade shocks. The authors summarize recent research that compares the ability of price-level targeting and inflation targeting to stabilize the macroeconomy when confronted with shocks similar to those experienced by Canada in recent years. Their preliminary results suggest that price-level targeting may represent a feasible alternative to traditional inflation targeting. Their article also provides insight into the direction of current research in this area at the Bank.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Central bank research, Inflation and prices, Monetary policy framework