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Inflation, Attention and Expectations

Author

Listed:
  • Etienne Briand

    (University of Quebec in Montreal)

  • Massimiliano Marcellino

    (Bocconi University)

  • Dalibor Stevanovic

    (University of Quebec in Montreal)

Abstract

We investigate the role of attention in shaping inflation dynamics. To measure the general public attention, we utilize Google Trends (GT) data for keywords such as "inflation". For professional attention, we construct an indicator based on the standardized count of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) articles with "inflation" in their titles. Through empirical analysis, we show that attention significantly impacts inflation dynamics, even when accounting for traditional inflation-related factors. Macroeconomic theory suggests that expectations formation is a natural mechanism to explain these findings. We find support for this hypothesis by measuring a decrease in professional forecasters' information rigidity during periods of high attention. In contrast to prior research, our findings highlight the critical roles of media communication and public attention in shaping aggregate inflation expectations. We then develop a theoretical model that captures our stylized facts, showing that both inflation dynamics and forecaster expectations are regime-dependent. Finally, we examine the implications of this framework for the effectiveness of monetary policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Etienne Briand & Massimiliano Marcellino & Dalibor Stevanovic, 2024. "Inflation, Attention and Expectations," Working Papers 24-05, Chair in macroeconomics and forecasting, University of Quebec in Montreal's School of Management, revised Dec 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:bbh:wpaper:24-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inflation; Expectations; Monetary policy; Google trends; Text analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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