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The limits of central bank policy: economic crisis and the challenge of effective solutions

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  • Jamie Morgan

Abstract

The paper examines the development of central bank policy prior to and during the recent financial crisis. The argument is made that it contained multiple failures that not only generated constraints on adequately identifying and addressing the crisis but also contributed to that crisis. Those failures derived from a combination of theory and institutional practice. Specifically the use of forms of inflationary targeting based on broad adherence to the Taylor rule framework and the use of versions of a Conventional Theoretical Macro Model (CTMM) were both problematic. This was particularly so in the way policy was focused through issues of the primacy of price stability. The institutional arrangements of the central banks were also problematic. The division of labour between the central banks and other regulatory bodies and the limited information available within a liberalised finance system hampered efforts to fully appreciate the gravity of the situation. Partly due to the constraints imposed by the thinking and strategies that had been developed the central banks never got to grips with the fundamental problems of the crisis. Interest rate policy and liquidity provision were undertaken in ways that steadily radicalised the approaches of the banks but always in a way that was event led and always in ways that could not resolve those fundamental problems. The nature of the crisis highlights the importance of transforming the approach and institutional framework of the central banks. Relatedly, it highlights the need for a more Keynesian and heterodox approach to economics within decision making bodies at central banks. Copyright The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamie Morgan, 2009. "The limits of central bank policy: economic crisis and the challenge of effective solutions," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 33(4), pages 581-608, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:cambje:v:33:y:2009:i:4:p:581-608
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cje/bep026
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    Cited by:

    1. Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Huynh, Toan Luu Duc, 2024. "Nexus between inflation and inflation expectations at the zero lower bound: A tiger by the tail," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    2. Nasir, Muhammad Ali, 2021. "Zero Lower Bound and negative interest rates: Choices for monetary policy in the UK," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 200-229.
    3. Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Balsalobre-Lorente, Daniel & Huynh, Toan Luu Duc, 2020. "Anchoring inflation expectations in the face of oil shocks & in the proximity of ZLB: A tale of two targeters," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    4. Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Huynh, Toan Luu Duc & Yarovaya, Larisa, 2020. "Inflation targeting & implications of oil shocks for inflation expectations in oil-importing and exporting economies: Evidence from three Nordic Kingdoms," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    5. Engelbert Stockhammer & Collin Constantine & Severin Reissl, 2020. "Explaining the Euro crisis: current account imbalances, credit booms and economic policy in different economic paradigms," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(2), pages 231-266, April.
    6. Sheila Dow, 2014. "The Relationship Between Central Banks And Governments: What Are Central Banks For?," Department Discussion Papers 1401, Department of Economics, University of Victoria.
    7. Thomas Goda, 2017. "A comparative review of the role of income inequality in economic crisis theories and its contribution to the financial crisis of 2007-2009," Revista Finanzas y Politica Economica, Universidad Católica de Colombia, vol. 9(1), pages 151-174, February.
    8. Neil Hart, 2011. "Mainstream Macroeconomics: A ‘Keynesian’ Revival?," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 22(1), pages 17-40, May.
    9. Thomas Goda, 2013. "The role of income inequality in crisis theories and in the subprime crisis," Working Papers PKWP1305, Post Keynesian Economics Society (PKES).
    10. Eva Zamrazilová, 2011. "Měnová politika: staré lekce, nové výzvy [Monetary Policy: Old Lessons and New Challenges]," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2011(1), pages 3-21.
    11. Emiliano Brancaccio & Giuseppe Fontana, 2013. "'Solvency rule' versus 'Taylor rule': an alternative interpretation of the relation between monetary policy and the economic crisis," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 37(1), pages 17-33.
    12. Guo, Minjie & Lim, Eun-Son, 2024. "Does inflation targeting matter for price stability?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1015-1032.
    13. Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Duc Huynh, Toan Luu & Vo, Xuan Vinh, 2020. "Exchange rate pass-through & management of inflation expectations in a small open inflation targeting economy," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 178-188.
    14. Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Morgan, Jamie, 2023. "Paradox of stationarity? A policy target dilemma for policymakers," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 142-145.
    15. Ioana Negru, 2013. "How reflexive have economists been in the wake of the crisis: 'The times they are a -changin'?," Working Papers PKWP1306, Post Keynesian Economics Society (PKES).
    16. Stella Ladi & Vasiliki Tsagkroni, 2019. "Analysing Crisis Parliamentary Discourse in Greece: Whom Should We Blame?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(4), pages 729-748, July.

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