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A proposal to clarify the objectives and strategy of monetary policy

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  • Hetzel, Robert L.

Abstract

Academic economists have perennially made arguments for the conduct of monetary policy constrained by an explicit rule. These arguments have gone nowhere. This paper advances a proposal to clarify Fed objectives and strategy in order to facilitate discussion leading to consensus over a desirable rule. The essence of the proposal is to replace the forecasts of the individual participants at FOMC meetings now contained in the Summary of Economic Projections with a consensus FOMC forecast accompanied by commentary on the strategy for monetary policy underlying the forecast.

Suggested Citation

  • Hetzel, Robert L., 2017. "A proposal to clarify the objectives and strategy of monetary policy," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 54(PA), pages 72-89.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jmacro:v:54:y:2017:i:pa:p:72-89
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmacro.2017.03.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Svensson, Lars E. O., 1997. "Inflation forecast targeting: Implementing and monitoring inflation targets," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 1111-1146, June.
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    3. John B. Taylor, 1999. "A Historical Analysis of Monetary Policy Rules," NBER Chapters, in: Monetary Policy Rules, pages 319-348, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Francois R. Velde, 2004. "Poor hand or poor play? the rise and fall of inflation in the U.S," Economic Perspectives, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, vol. 28(Q I), pages 34-51.
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    7. Hetzel,Robert L., 2008. "The Monetary Policy of the Federal Reserve," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521881326, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies

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