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The Fed Information Effect and Firm-Level Investment: Evidence and Theory

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  • Alex Hsu
  • Indrajit Mitra
  • Yu Xu
  • Linghang Zeng

Abstract

We present evidence that the Fed's private information about economic conditions revealed through Federal Open Market Committee announcements affect firm investment. We use firm-level investment data and analyst forecasts of firm fundamentals to document three facts. First, the investment rate sensitivity to Fed information is greater for more cyclical firms. Second, revisions in analyst forecasts of firm fundamentals are greater for more cyclical firms. Third, the investment response is consistent with changes in firm profitability following Fed announcements. We propose a HANK model to explain these patterns. Our model rationalizes the slow decline in inflation in 2022–23 despite aggressive policy rate hikes.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Hsu & Indrajit Mitra & Yu Xu & Linghang Zeng, 2023. "The Fed Information Effect and Firm-Level Investment: Evidence and Theory," FRB Atlanta Working Paper 2023-6a, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedawp:97980
    DOI: 10.29338/wp2023-06a
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    E22; E52; G31;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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