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Central Bank Behavior and Statutory Independence

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  • C. Hueng

Abstract

This paper integrates the Taylor reaction function literature with the literature on central bank independence (CBI). The central bank’s policy reaction function describes its behaviors, which measures the practical CBI, as opposed to the legal CBI measured by CBI indices. By analyzing the relationship between various legal CBI indices and the central banks’ reactions to inflation for 18 OECD countries, we find that the difference of behaviors among central banks is consistent with the economic measure of independence, which measures how easy it is for the government to finance its deficits by direct access to credit from the central bank. Copyright International Atlantic Economic Society 2012

Suggested Citation

  • C. Hueng, 2012. "Central Bank Behavior and Statutory Independence," Atlantic Economic Journal, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 40(2), pages 111-126, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:atlecj:v:40:y:2012:i:2:p:111-126
    DOI: 10.1007/s11293-012-9310-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Central bank independence (CBI); Legal CBI index; Policy reaction function; E58;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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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