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Disinflations In Latin America And The Caribbean: A Free Lunch?

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  • Marc Hofstetter

Abstract

This paper challenges the conventional view according to which disinflations in Latin America -even from low and moderate peaks- have been carried out at no cost to output. After suggesting a new methodology that overcomes some of the shortcomings of the traditional methods used to measure the costs of disinflations, large sacrifice ratios are obtained for the 1970s and 80s. While the disinflation costs for the 90s remain negative, it is shown that an unusual combination of circumstances -i.e., factors related to capital inflows, structural reforms, and the peculiar recent inflation history- can explain this fortunate result.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc Hofstetter, 2006. "Disinflations In Latin America And The Caribbean: A Free Lunch?," Documentos CEDE 2375, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    • Handle: RePEc:col:000089:002375
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inflation; Growth; Disinflation costs; Sacrifice Ratios; Latin America;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E00 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - General
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • F4 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance

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