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On the Theoretical Efficacy of Quantitative Easing at the Zero Lower Bound

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  • Paola Boel
  • Christopher J. Waller

Abstract

We construct a monetary economy in which agents face aggregate demand shocks and hetero- generous idiosyncratic preference shocks. We show that, even when the Friedman rule is the best interest rate policy, not all agents are satiated at the zero lower bound. Thus, quantitative easing can be welfare improving since it temporarily relaxes the liquidity constraint of some agents, without harming others. Moreover, due to a pricing externality, quantitative easing may also have beneficial general equilibrium effects for the unconstrained agents. Lastly, our model suggests that it can be optimal for the central bank to buy private debt claims instead of government debt.

Suggested Citation

  • Paola Boel & Christopher J. Waller, 2015. "On the Theoretical Efficacy of Quantitative Easing at the Zero Lower Bound," Working Papers 2015-027, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedlwp:2015-027
    DOI: 10.20955/wp.2015.027
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    Cited by:

    1. Huber, Samuel & Kim, Jaehong, 2017. "On the optimal quantity of liquid bonds," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 184-200.
    2. Kee-Youn Kang, 2019. "Central Bank purchases of private assets: An evaluation," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 31, pages 326-346, January.
    3. Christopher J. Waller, 2015. "Microfoundations of Money: Why They Matter," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 97(4), pages 289-301.
    4. James Bullard, 2016. "Permazero," Cato Journal, Cato Journal, Cato Institute, vol. 36(2), pages 415-429, Spring/Su.
      • James B. Bullard, 2016. "Permazero," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 98(2).
      • James B. Bullard, 2015. "Permazero," Speech 256, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
    5. Athanasios Geromichalos & Lucas Herrenbrueck, 2017. "The Liquidity-Augmented Model of Macroeconomic Aggregates," Discussion Papers dp17-16, Department of Economics, Simon Fraser University.
    6. Nicola Amendola & Leo Ferraris & Fabrizio Mattesini, 2016. "Optimal Monetary Policy in a Pure Currency Economy with Heterogenous Agents," CEIS Research Paper 394, Tor Vergata University, CEIS, revised 02 Feb 2017.
    7. Uras, Burak R. & van Buggenum, Hugo, 2022. "Preference heterogeneity and optimal monetary policy," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    8. van Buggenum, Hugo & Uras, Burak, 2019. "Money, Asset Markets and Efficiency of Capital Formation," Other publications TiSEM 7db639bc-8d7d-4a3c-8034-a, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Money; Heterogeneity; Stabilization Policy; Zero Lower Bound; Quantitative Easing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E40 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - General
    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General

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