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Risk Management for Monetary Policy Near the Zero Lower Bound

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Evans

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

  • Jonas Fisher

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

  • Francois Gourio

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

  • Spencer Krane

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

Abstract
As projections have inflation heading back toward target and the labor market continuing to improve, the Federal Reserve has begun to contemplate an increase in the federal funds rate. There is however substantial uncertainty around these projections. How should this uncertainty affect monetary policy? In many standard models uncertainty has no effect. In this paper, we demonstrate that the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates implies that the central bank should adopt a looser policy when there is uncertainty. In the current context this result implies that a delayed liftoff is optimal. We demonstrate this result theoretically in two canonical macroeconomic models. Using numerical simulations of our models, calibrated to the current environment, we find optimal policy calls for 2 to 3 quarters delay in liftoff relative to a policy that does not take into account uncertainty about policy being constrained by the ZLB. We then use a narrative study of Federal Reserve communications and estimated policy reaction functions to show that risk management is a longstanding practice in the conduct of monetary policy.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Evans & Jonas Fisher & Francois Gourio & Spencer Krane, 2015. "Risk Management for Monetary Policy Near the Zero Lower Bound," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 46(1 (Spring), pages 141-219.
    • Handle: RePEc:bin:bpeajo:v:46:y:2015:i:2015-01:p:141-219
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    risk management; monetary policy; inflation; interest; labor market; Federal Reserve; federal funds rate; ZLB;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E53 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Deposit Insurance
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies

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