How independent should a central bank be?

Federal Reserve System - Independence ; Banks and banking, Central ; Econometric models ; Deutsche Bundesbank

Relative Price Variability and Inflation: Evidence from US Cities

We test whether the time-series positive correlation of inflation and intermarket relative price variability is also present in a cross-section of US cities. We find this correlation to be a robust empirical regularity: cities which have higher than average inflation also have higher than average relative price dispersion, ceteris paribus. This result holds for different periods of time, different classes of goods, and across different time horizons. Our results suggest that at least part of the relationship between inflation and relative price variability cannot be explained by monetary factors.

Inflation Targeting and the Inflation Process: Lessons from an Open Economy

In an open economy inflation-targeting framework, whether policy makers should target aggregate or non-traded inflation depends on the structural relationships in the economy. This paper shows that in a small empirical model of the Australian economy, it makes little difference which measure is targeted. This conclusion is reinforced by the significant changes to the inflation process that the paper suggests have occurred over the past two decades: the effect of exchange rate changes on inflation appears to have become more muted and the inflation process appears to have become better anchored.

Inflation Targeting and Output Stabilisation

Inflation targeting has been criticised for being ‘inflation only’ targeting and hence, for ignoring output and employment. This paper argues that this criticism is misplaced. The inflation-targeting framework has sufficient flexibility to allow for the short-run trade-off between output and inflation. The extent to which it does so in part reflects some design features of the inflation-targeting framework, such as targeting bands and the policy horizon, that have been adopted in practice in the inflation-targeting countries. Medium-term price stability can be maintained while still allowing some degree of short-run inflation variability, thus providing scope for lower output variability.Inflation targeting; output stabilisation

The Effect of Uncertainty on Monetary Policy: How Good are the Brakes?

In practice, monetary policy changes tend to produce a smooth path for interest rates while the path of policy interest rates generated by models is often considerably more variable. This paper investigates whether the inclusion of uncertainty can help reconcile the theory to the practice. It shows that parameter uncertainty does not induce much smoothness when its effects are directly incorporated into a model. Uncertainty about the interest sensitivity of output can increase the smoothness of optimal policy in a model, but the path of policy interest rates generated is still considerably more variable than that observed in practice.interest rate smoothing; monetary policy; parameter uncertainty

Consumption, Investment and International Linkages

This paper seeks to explain the strong contemporaneous relationship between Australian and foreign output growth. It does so by adopting a more disaggregated approach than previous work, focussing in particular on consumption and investment. The theoretical frameworks of the permanent income hypothesis for consumption and the cash flow version of the neo-classical model of investment are used to identify potential foreign linkages. Some evidence of a foreign linkage through consumption is established. Little evidence is found of foreign influences on domestic investment, although an indirect channel operating through business confidence is identified. The paper also provides evidence of a decline in liquidity constraints since financial deregulation, and confirms previous evidence of the importance of cash flow in determining investment.

Trends in the Australian Banking System: Implications for Financial System Stability and Monetary Policy

Financial system stability is defined in terms of the expected macroeconomic losses that arise from financial system disturbances. This captures both the probability of various financial disturbances and the size of the macroeconomic costs arising from such disturbances. Because of the links between the real sector of the economy and the financial sector, monetary policy needs to be cognisant of the potential for financial system stability. We develop a general framework for policy analysis which highlights the trade-off between financial system stability and efficiency. We use this framework to analyse the potential impact on stability and efficiency of three current pressures in the Australian financial system. Namely, consolidation among the largest banks, the formation of large financial conglomerates, and greater opportunities for smaller niche institutions provided by technological developments. We develop a simple model to show that consolidation might reduce system stability through a loss of diversification – which is important in the case of idiosyncratic shocks to individual financial institutions. Offsetting this effect, consolidation might increase system stability if contagion is an important source of failure of financial institutions. Conglomeration has two offsetting effects in terms of system stability: diversification across different financial services can reduce the probability of failure of an individual institution; and contamination, which can lead to contagion flowing from failure of an unhealthy arm of the conglomerate.financial system stability and efficiency; consolidation; conglomeration

Monetary Policy Goals for Inflation in Australia

This paper outlines the inflation objective for monetary policy in Australia, which we describe as seeking to achieve a broad central tendency for inflation of between 2 and 3 per cent over the long run – a “thick point” – rather than a narrow target band. It also provides a more detailed rationale for this objective. In doing so, the paper discusses the issues relevant in determining the appropriate mean inflation rate at which policy should aim, the degree of variation of inflation around that central point, and how policy should respond to shocks. A simple model of the economy is presented which attempts to address these issues in a consistent framework.

Labour Market Adjustment: Evidence on Interstate Labour Mobility

In this paper, we investigate the behaviour of the Australian state labour markets, focusing on the role of geographic labour mobility. We find that interstate migration does play an important role in reducing differences in labour market conditions between states, although permanent (or very persistent) differences between state unemployment rates remain. We also find that out-migration from a state resulting from a relative downturn in its labour market occurs slowly and steadily. Most of the migration takes place, on average, within four years, and the process of adjustment is complete after seven years.labour mobility; migration; unemployment

Is the Phillips Curve a Curve? Some Evidence and Implications for Australia

The Phillips curve has generally been estimated in a linear framework. This paper investigates the possibility that the Phillips curve is indeed a curve, and shows that a convex short-run Phillips curve may be a more accurate representation of reality than the traditionally used linear specification. The paper also discusses the policy implications of convexity in the Phillips curve. These include the need for policy to be forward-looking and to act pre-emptively. Convexity provides a strong rationale for stabilisation policy, and it reinforces the need for policy-makers to proceed cautiously. It also implies that deep recessions may have only a marginally greater disinflationary impact than shallower ones, unless they induce large credibility bonuses.