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Monetary Policy, Financial Constraints, and Redistribution

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Loenser

    (University of Cologne, Center for Macroeconomic Research)

  • Andreas Schabert

    (University of Cologne, Center for Macroeconomic Research)

Abstract

This paper examines how financial constraints affect redistribution via monetary policy. We explore a novel mechanism of monetary non-neutrality, which is based on debt limits imposed in nominal terms. Specifically, when debt is constrained by current income, monetary policy can alter the real terms of borrowing. Changes in inflation exert ambiguous effects, depending on the initial debt/wealth position and the willingness to borrow. We show analytically that borrowers can benefit from increased debt limits under lower inflation rates. This novel effect can dominate conventional debt deflation effects. We find that particularly less indebted borrowers as well as potential future borrowers gain and that aggregate welfare can be enhanced under a permanent reduction in inflation.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Loenser & Andreas Schabert, 2020. "Monetary Policy, Financial Constraints, and Redistribution," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 011, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:011
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Monetary policy; redistribution; borrowing limits; non-state contingent nominal debt; heterogeneous agents;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D52 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Incomplete Markets
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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