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Do Markets Care Who Chairs the Central Bank?

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  • KENNETH N. KUTTNER
  • ADAM S. POSEN

Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of central bank governor appointments on exchange rates and bond yields using a new data set of announcements spanning 15 countries and 30 years. The results show that exchange rates exhibit a statistically significant response to the announcement of a new governor, especially when the appointee's identity was not anticipated. The reactions are especially pronounced for banks lacking either independence or a nominal anchor. New governors are not generally thought to lack credibility, however, as announcements generally do not cause exchange rate or bond yield movements signaling expectations of higher inflation or looser monetary policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth N. Kuttner & Adam S. Posen, 2010. "Do Markets Care Who Chairs the Central Bank?," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(2‐3), pages 347-371, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jmoncb:v:42:y:2010:i:2-3:p:347-371
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-4616.2009.00290.x
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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